7 Signs of Tyre Wear and Tear

Tires are critical for your safety on the road, and recognising the signs of wear can save you from accidents and costly repairs. Here’s a quick guide to the seven key signs of tire wear and what they mean:

• Uneven Tread Wear: Indicates wheel misalignment or improper rotation.

• Cracked or Bulging Sidewalls: Signals structural damage; replace immediately.

• Center Tread Wear: Caused by overinflation; check tire pressure.

• Worn Outer Edges: A result of underinflation; adjust pressure promptly.

• Scalloped Wear Pattern: Points to suspension issues like worn shocks or misalignment.

• Flat Spots and Patches: Often caused by hard braking or prolonged parking.

• Visible Metal or Fabric: Indicates severe damage; stop driving and replace the tire.

Quick Tips:

• Check tire pressure monthly.

• Rotate tires every 8,000–13,000 kilometers.

• Inspect for cracks, bulges, and uneven wear regularly.

Your tires directly impact handling, braking, and safety. Spotting these signs early ensures a smoother, safer ride and avoids unexpected costs.

How to Visually Inspect Car TIRE to be Replaced 

1. Uneven Tire Tread

Uneven tire tread often points to problems like wheel misalignment. You might notice areas where one side of the tire is worn down while the rest looks fine. This happens because misaligned wheels put extra pressure on certain parts of the tire, causing faster wear. It also impacts fuel efficiency and shortens the tire's lifespan.

Here are some common signs of uneven tread wear:

• Edge wear: Excessive wear on the inner or outer edges of the tire.

• Feathering: One side of the tread block feels higher than the other.

• Diagonal wear: Wear patterns that run diagonally across the tire.

To check for uneven wear, run your hand over the tire surface to feel for sharp edges or unusual textures. You can also try the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too worn.

To prevent uneven wear, rotate your tires every 8,000–13,000 kilometers. If you notice uneven wear, have your wheel alignment, tire pressure, and suspension checked. Ignoring the issue can lead to poor handling, especially in wet conditions, and may force you to replace your tires sooner than expected. Proper alignment not only improves safety but also helps your tires last longer, so it’s worth getting inspected by a professional.

2. Cracked or Bulging Sidewalls

Sidewall damage is a serious problem that can compromise your tire's safety and performance. This type of damage often occurs from hitting curbs, potholes, or prolonged underinflation. Even small cracks can signal trouble.

What to Look For:

• Cracks: Check for splits or cracks running along the sidewall. These could mean the rubber is breaking down, which weakens the tire's structure.

• Bulges: Any bulging or protrusions on the sidewall point to internal damage.

• Cuts: Deep cuts or gouges that reveal the tire's inner layers need immediate attention.

Run your hand along the sidewall when the tire is cool to feel for unusual bumps or irregularities. Pay extra attention to areas that might have hit something recently. Catching these issues early can help you avoid more serious problems down the road.

Why It Matters

Sidewall damage is not something to ignore. A weakened sidewall can lead to tire failure, especially at high speeds or under heavy loads. If you notice any of these warning signs, take action immediately.

How to Prevent Sidewall Damage:

• Regularly check and maintain the correct tire pressure.

• Be cautious around curbs and avoid deep potholes when driving.

• Park in shaded areas to protect tires from sun damage.

• Clean tires regularly, but steer clear of petroleum-based cleaners.

Temporary fixes are not a safe option for sidewall damage. If a tire's sidewall is compromised, replace it right away. The cost of a new tire is a small price to pay compared to the risks of driving on a damaged one.

3. Center Tread Wear

Center tread wear shows up as a smooth strip where the middle of the tire wears out faster than the edges. This issue usually happens because of overinflation, which puts most of the vehicle's weight on the tire's center.

Signs of Center Wear

Here’s what to look for:

• The center of the tire looks smoother and shallower than the edges.

• Tread patterns in the center are less visible or almost gone.

Why It’s a Problem

Center wear can seriously affect your tire's performance and safety:

• Reduced traction on wet roads

• Increased chance of hydroplaning

• Less effective braking

• Poor handling, especially during emergencies

How to Prevent It

Keeping your tires at the right pressure can stop center wear. Check your tire pressure every month when the tires are cold. You can find the recommended pressure for your vehicle:

• On the driver’s side door jamb

• Inside the fuel door

• In your owner’s manual

Pro Tip: Use a reliable digital gauge for precise readings. Tires can look fine but still be over- or under-inflated by a few PSI.

When to Act

• Adjust your tire pressure as soon as possible.

• Check if your tires need rotating.

• Replace the tires if the tread depth is below 0.16 centimeters.

Staying on top of tire maintenance and pressure checks is the best way to avoid issues like this. Next, take a closer look at the outer edges for other wear patterns.

4. Worn Outer Edges

Outer edge wear on tires is usually a sign of underinflation, unlike center wear, which stems from overinflation.

What to Look For

Here are the common signs of worn outer edges:

• Both edges show more wear compared to the center.

• Outer edges feel smoother when touched.

• Shoulder wear is visible on both sides of the tire.

• The tread depth on the edges is noticeably lower.

Why Edge Wear Happens

Underinflated tires tend to flex more than they should, leading to:

• Increased friction along the edges.

• Higher operating temperatures.

• Greater rolling resistance.

• Higher fuel consumption.

Safety Concerns

Driving with worn outer edges can create several risks, such as:

• Reduced steering precision, particularly during turns.

• Loss of stability in wet or slippery conditions.

• Greater risk of tire failure due to heat buildup.

• Longer stopping distances.

How to Prevent It

Keep your tires properly inflated by:

• Checking the pressure every month.

• Using a reliable digital pressure gauge.

• Measuring pressure when the tires are cold.

• Following the recommended PSI for your vehicle, typically between 30–35 PSI for passenger cars.

When to Replace

Consider replacing your tires if:

• The tread depth on the edges is below 0.16 cm.

• Uneven wear patterns can't be corrected.

• The tires show visible damage or excessive wear.

Pro Tip: Addressing edge wear early with proper inflation and regular rotation can help your tires last longer. But once the wear pattern sets in, it usually can't be undone.

Up next: Learn about scalloped wear patterns and what they say about suspension problems.

5. Scalloped Wear Pattern

Scalloped wear, also called cupping or feathering, creates a wave-like pattern on your tire. It's often linked to suspension problems and can lead to uneven tire performance.

What to Look For

Check your tires for these signs:

• High and low spots that alternate around the tire

• Diagonal wear patterns across the tread

• Rough, uneven patches when you run your hand over the tire

• More wear on either the inner or outer edge

Suspension Problems Behind Scalloped Wear

Several suspension issues can cause this wear pattern:

• Worn Shock Absorbers: When shocks are worn out, they can't control wheel bounce, leading to uneven tire contact.

• Damaged Struts: Faulty struts allow excessive wheel movement, which contributes to irregular wear.

• Misaligned Wheels: If your wheels aren't aligned properly - especially with toe settings off - it can cause erratic tire movement.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Pay attention to these symptoms:

• Excessive bouncing when driving over bumps

• Vibrations at highway speeds

• A rhythmic humming noise while driving

• Steering wheel shaking at certain speeds

How to Prevent It

• Schedule regular suspension checks as part of your vehicle's maintenance.

• Replace shocks or struts in pairs when wear is detected.

• Align your wheels according to your car's specifications.

• Rotate your tires consistently to even out wear.

When It's Time to Act

Take action if:

• Your car exhibits any of the warning signs above.

• You notice a big difference in tread depth between sections of the same tire.

• Handling feels off or your fuel efficiency drops.

Rotating your tires or adjusting air pressure won't fix scalloped wear. To stop it from happening again, the suspension problem must be repaired before installing new tires.

Up next, we'll cover flat spots and patches - another important tire wear issue.

6. Flat Spots and Patches

Flat spots and patches can hurt your car's safety and handling. Regularly inspecting your tires helps catch these problems early.

What Causes Flat Spots?

Flat spots and patches can result from:

• Hard Braking: Sudden stops that lock the wheels.

• Long-Term Parking: Leaving your car stationary for extended periods.

• Dragging Brakes: When brake calipers don’t fully release.

• Unbalanced Wheels: Tires that repeatedly hit the road unevenly.

Spotting Flat Spots

Look for these signs:

• Smooth, shiny areas that stand out from the rest of the tread.

• Patches that feel noticeably flatter than the surrounding surface.

• Tread blocks that appear worn or shaved down in certain sections.

How They Affect Driving

Flat spots can lead to:

• Reduced traction and longer stopping distances.

• Vibrations at certain speeds.

• Uneven handling.

• A higher risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions.

Tips to Prevent Flat Spots

• Maintain Your Brakes: Regularly check your brake system for issues.

• Move Your Car: If parked for long periods, use tire cradles or move the vehicle occasionally.

• Keep ABS Functional: Ensure your anti-lock braking system is in good working order.

• Rotate Tires: Rotate your tires regularly to spread wear evenly.

When to Replace Tires

If prevention doesn’t work, monitor your tires for severe wear. Replace them if:

• Flat spots are over 5.08 cm wide.

• Several patches appear on one tire.

• Worn areas expose the tire’s inner layers.

• You feel persistent vibrations while driving.

Temporary flat spots from parking may smooth out after driving a few kms. But permanent damage, like that caused by locked brakes, usually means it’s time for new tires. Always check for exposed metal or fabric to ensure your safety.

7. Visible Metal or Fabric

If you spot metal or fabric showing on your tire, it's a clear sign that the protective layers are gone. This creates a serious safety hazard and confirms the tire is no longer safe to use.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Steel Belts: Metallic cords or wires sticking out of the tread.

• Fabric Cords: White or gray threads visible through the rubber.

Why This Is a Serious Risk

When the inner layers of a tire are exposed, the chances of a blowout, tread separation, or losing control of your vehicle go up dramatically. This situation requires immediate attention to avoid a dangerous failure.

What You Should Do

Stop driving right away. Even a short trip on a damaged tire could lead to a blowout. Instead, call for roadside assistance. Check all parts of your tire, including the shoulders, center tread, and areas that may have been damaged by curbs or potholes.

How to Prevent This

While immediate action is necessary if damage is visible, regular tire care can help you avoid reaching this point. Stay ahead of problems by:

• Checking tread depth regularly.

• Keeping tires properly inflated.

• Fixing alignment issues quickly.

• Following the recommended rotation schedule.

If you see metal or fabric on your tire, it's beyond repair. The only safe option is to replace it. Don't take chances with temporary fixes - they won't hold up on the road.

Conclusion

Taking care of your tires isn't just about keeping them in good shape - it's about safety and saving money in the long run. Regular checks can help you spot issues early, avoiding accidents and expensive fixes.

Here are a few key practices to keep in mind:

• Get your alignment checked twice a year.

• Inspect your tires before heading out on long trips.

• Schedule regular professional evaluations.

• Keep records of all tire services.

Staying on top of tire maintenance not only keeps you safer on the road but also shows you're a responsible vehicle owner. This can even work in your favor when applying for automotive financing. Platforms like Ausloans help connect responsible owners with great financing options.

Think of tire care as an investment in your car's future. If you notice any unusual wear, act quickly and reach out to a professional. And don’t forget to document your maintenance - it’s proof of your commitment to keeping your vehicle in top condition.