Most people think of tires as something you replace when they’re worn out.
But how a tire wears can actually tell a story about what’s going on with your vehicle — long before it becomes a safety issue.
Below are four common tire wear patterns and what they usually mean.
1. Worn Down the Middle
What it looks like:
The center of the tire is smooth, but the edges still have tread.
What it usually means:
Your tires may be over-inflated (too much air).
Why it matters:
Too much air means less rubber touching the road. That can reduce traction and cause the tire to wear out faster than it should.
The simple fix:
Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the number listed on your vehicle’s door sticker — not the number on the tire itself.
2. Worn on the Edges
What it looks like:
Both outer edges are worn, but the center still looks okay.
What it usually means:
Your tires may be under-inflated (not enough air).
Why it matters:
Low pressure makes the tire sag, putting extra stress on the edges. This shortens tire life and can affect braking and fuel economy.
The simple fix:
Regular pressure checks, especially when the weather changes.
3. Choppy or Uneven Wear (Cupping)
What it looks like:
The tread looks bumpy or scalloped instead of smooth.
What it usually means:
There may be an issue with suspension parts like shocks or struts.
Why it matters:
Cupping can make your vehicle noisier and rougher to drive — and it usually gets worse if ignored.
The simple fix:
Have your suspension checked. Catching this early can save your tires.
4. Wear on One Side Only
What it looks like:
One side of the tire is worn much more than the other.
What it usually means:
Your vehicle may need a wheel alignment.
Why it matters:
Misalignment can quietly destroy tires even if everything else feels “fine” while driving.
The simple fix:
An alignment check, especially if you’ve hit a pothole or curb recently.
Why This Matters to You
Uneven tire wear isn’t just about tire life — it affects:
- Safety
- Braking
- Handling
- Fuel efficiency
The good news? Most of these issues are easy to fix when caught early.
We Make It Easy
At Shire Tire, we don’t expect you to know tire patterns or vehicle jargon.
When your tires are worn and you have us replace them, we inspect your old ones as part of our service. If something looks off, we’ll explain it clearly and offer advice on next steps to preserve your tires, and more importantly, stay safe on the roads.
Tires you can trust, right at your door.