Tyre condition guide

Abnormal Tyre Wear

Uneven tread can point to pressure, alignment, balance, steering or suspension problems.

How to inspect abnormal tyre wear

Tyres wear over time, but a pronounced difference across the tread can indicate a fault that needs attention. Inspect pressure, tread depth and the complete visible surface monthly and before longer journeys. A new tyre may also wear incorrectly if the original cause is left unresolved.

Camber or one-sided wear tyre example

Camber or one-sided wear

Spotting it

The inside or outside edge is considerably more worn than the rest of the tread.

Possible cause

Possible causes include wheel-alignment or suspension problems, a bent strut or spindle, damaged control-arm bushes or a weak spring.

What to do

Arrange a tyre and suspension inspection rather than replacing the tyre without investigating the cause.

Shoulder wear tyre example

Shoulder wear

Spotting it

Both shoulders are worn more heavily than the centre of the tyre.

Possible cause

This pattern is often associated with prolonged underinflation, although load and driving conditions must also be considered.

What to do

Check the vehicle manufacturer’s cold-pressure figure and have the tyre inspected for damage before correcting the pressure.

Feathered wear tyre example

Feathered wear

Spotting it

The tread feels smooth when rubbed in one direction but sharp or rough in the other.

Possible cause

Toe misalignment or worn steering components such as tie rods, idler arms or steering links can create directional feathering.

What to do

Have the steering and alignment checked; fitting a replacement alone will not correct the underlying geometry.

Centre wear tyre example

Centre wear

Spotting it

The centre of the tread is significantly more worn than both shoulders.

Possible cause

Sustained overinflation can make the centre of the tyre carry a greater share of the load.

What to do

Compare cold pressure with the handbook or vehicle label and arrange an inspection if the pattern is advanced or irregular.

Cupped wear tyre example

Cupped wear

Spotting it

Repeated cups or dips appear around the edge or across sections of the tread.

Possible cause

Wheel imbalance, weak shock absorbers, worn struts or other suspension movement can allow the tyre to bounce as it rotates.

What to do

Check wheel balance and have the suspension inspected before a replacement tyre develops the same pattern.

Flat spotting tyre example

Flat spotting

Spotting it

One local section of tread is flatter or more worn than the rest and may cause a rhythmic vibration.

Possible cause

Hard braking, long storage, underinflation or structural damage can all contribute, depending on the pattern.

What to do

Avoid high-speed driving until the tyre and wheel have been assessed professionally.

What we do

Mobile tyre services at your location

We arrive with professional fitting and balancing equipment. The exact tyre, price and attendance window are agreed before travel.

01

Emergency replacement

A damaged or flat tyre replaced at a safe location, day or night.

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02

New and part-worn tyres

Budget, mid-range and premium options for cars, vans, 4×4s, caravans and trailers.

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03

Electronic balancing

Replacement tyres balanced to reduce vibration and uneven wear.

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04

Puncture assessment

Repair considered only when the damage and tyre condition make it safe.

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05

Valve and rim sealing

Standard valve replacement and rim sealing where appropriate; TPMS excluded.

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06

Locking nut removal

Help when a locking wheel nut key is lost or the locking nut is damaged.

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