Tire Wear On Outside Of Tire

Understanding tire wear is crucial for vehicle safety, performance, and longevity. While even tire wear across the entire tread surface is ideal, it's common to observe uneven wear patterns. One frequently encountered issue is tire wear on the outside of the tire. This article will delve into the potential causes, how to diagnose them, and what steps you can take to address the problem and prevent it from recurring.

Identifying Outer Tire Wear

Before jumping into causes, it's essential to accurately identify what we mean by outer tire wear. This type of wear is characterized by the shoulder, or outermost edge, of the tire wearing down more rapidly than the center of the tread. You might notice that the grooves near the edge are shallower or even completely worn away while the central portion of the tire still has significant tread depth. In severe cases, you might see a distinct "rounding" of the tire's profile toward the outside edge.

Visually inspecting your tires regularly is the easiest way to catch this issue early. Run your hand across the tread. Can you feel a difference in tread depth between the center and the outside edge? Are the wear bars (those small raised bars within the grooves) visible only on the outside? These are strong indicators of outer tire wear.

Common Causes of Tire Wear on the Outside

Several factors can contribute to tire wear on the outside of the tire. Addressing the root cause is essential to prevent premature tire replacement and maintain safe driving conditions.

1. Underinflation

This is perhaps the most frequent culprit. When a tire is underinflated, the sidewalls flex excessively, causing the outer edges of the tread to bear a disproportionate amount of the vehicle's weight. This increased stress and friction leads to accelerated wear on the outer shoulders.

Regularly check your tire pressure using a reliable tire pressure gauge. Refer to the sticker on your driver's side doorjamb or your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended tire pressure (typically measured in PSI - pounds per square inch). Don't rely solely on the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as it only alerts you to significant pressure drops, not slight underinflation that can still contribute to wear.

Tip: Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold (before driving) for the most accurate reading.

2. Aggressive Cornering

Repeatedly taking corners at high speeds puts significant stress on the outer edges of the tires, especially on the front wheels. This is because the vehicle's weight shifts outward during cornering, forcing the outside tires to bear the brunt of the load.

While some spirited driving is unavoidable, try to moderate your cornering speeds, particularly on public roads. Track days and competitive driving events are particularly hard on tires, and accelerated outer tire wear is almost guaranteed in these scenarios.

3. Suspension Issues

Problems with your vehicle's suspension can disrupt the proper alignment and weight distribution, leading to uneven tire wear, including wear on the outside of the tire. Specific suspension issues that might be to blame include:

• Worn or damaged ball joints: Ball joints allow for smooth movement of the suspension components. When worn, they can cause excessive play and instability, contributing to uneven wear.
• Worn tie rod ends: Similar to ball joints, tie rod ends connect the steering rack to the wheels. Worn tie rod ends can affect steering precision and alignment, resulting in outer tire wear.
• Damaged struts or shocks: These components dampen vibrations and control suspension movement. Weak or damaged struts/shocks can lead to excessive bouncing and uneven weight distribution, accelerating wear.
• Worn control arm bushings: Bushings provide cushioning and reduce friction within the suspension system. Worn bushings can cause instability and affect alignment.

If you suspect a suspension problem, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. Addressing suspension issues promptly can prevent further tire damage and ensure safe handling.

4. Improper Wheel Alignment (Specifically, Excessive Positive Camber or Toe-Out)

Wheel alignment refers to the angles of your wheels relative to each other and the vehicle's body. Two alignment parameters, in particular, can contribute to outer tire wear:

• Positive Camber: Camber is the angle of the wheel relative to the vertical axis. Positive camber means the top of the wheel is tilted outwards. Excessive positive camber places more pressure on the outer edge of the tire.
• Toe-Out: Toe refers to the angle of the wheels as viewed from above. Toe-out means the front of the wheels are pointed slightly outwards. Excessive toe-out forces the tires to scrub against the road as they roll, accelerating wear on the outer edges.

A professional wheel alignment is crucial to correct any misalignment issues. Ideally, you should have your wheels aligned every 6,000 to 12,000 miles or whenever you notice uneven tire wear or after hitting a significant pothole.

5. Overloading Your Vehicle

Exceeding your vehicle's maximum load capacity puts undue stress on the tires, particularly the outer edges, which bear the brunt of the added weight during cornering and maneuvering. Check your vehicle's owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb for the maximum load capacity.

Avoid overloading your vehicle with passengers or cargo. When carrying heavy loads, ensure they are properly distributed to minimize stress on any particular tire.

Diagnosing the Cause

Identifying the exact cause of outer tire wear can be tricky. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Visual Inspection: Carefully examine all four tires for wear patterns. Is the wear consistent across both front tires? Is it only on one side of the vehicle? Is it more pronounced on the front or rear tires? This information can help narrow down the potential causes.
2. Tire Pressure Check: Verify that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended PSI.
3. Suspension Inspection: Look for any obvious signs of damage or wear to the suspension components (e.g., broken springs, leaking struts, worn bushings).
4. Steering Test: Pay attention to the steering feel. Does the vehicle pull to one side? Is the steering loose or unresponsive? These symptoms can indicate alignment or suspension problems.
5. Professional Inspection: If you are unsure about the cause, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection and wheel alignment.

Preventing Tire Wear on the Outside

Proactive maintenance and responsible driving habits are essential for preventing outer tire wear and extending the life of your tires.

• Maintain Proper Tire Inflation: Check and adjust your tire pressure regularly.
• Drive Conservatively: Avoid aggressive cornering and braking.
• Regular Wheel Alignments: Get your wheels aligned as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer or whenever you notice uneven tire wear.
• Regular Tire Rotations: Rotating your tires helps distribute wear evenly across all four tires. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended rotation pattern.
• Inspect Suspension Regularly: Have your suspension inspected by a qualified mechanic periodically, especially if you notice any handling problems.
• Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle: Stay within the recommended weight limits.
• Choose the Right Tires: Select tires that are appropriate for your vehicle and driving conditions.

Conclusion

Tire wear on the outside of the tire is a common problem, but it can be effectively addressed with proper diagnosis and preventative maintenance. By understanding the potential causes, regularly inspecting your tires, and following the tips outlined in this article, you can extend the life of your tires, improve your vehicle's handling, and ensure a safer driving experience. Don't neglect this crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance. Your safety and your wallet will thank you.