How to Check Tire Tread Wear Patterns

Many experts agree that checking the tires of your car before driving should be second-nature. One thing to look for is tire tread wear patterns. What areas of a tire are worn down is indicative of what is wrong with your vehicle. Tire treads should wear down evenly. Here's how to check tire tread wear patterns.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the inner and outer edges of the tire for wear. If either or both areas of the tire are worn down, this can indicate over-inflation. Wear on either edge is usually indicative of a wheel misalignment.

2. Examine the middle of the tire. If the tread is worn in this area, the tires might be over-inflated.

3. Look for random spots of wear, or bald spots. This type of tread wear means that the tires need to be balanced, or could mean that the suspension system is in need of repair.

4. Note if the outer edges of the front tires are worn. This could simply mean that you are taking turns too quickly, resulting in tread wear.

5. Compare the wear pattern on both front tires if you have front-wheel drive. The same pattern on both tires indicates that the tires need to be rotated on a more frequent basis.

6. Take notice of any visible tread wear indicators. Most tires have horizontal bands that become visible once the tires have worn down to a certain point. Seeing these bands means the tires need to be replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• Rotate tires on a regular basis, usually between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, to avoid irregular tire tread wear.
• Check the owner's manual of your vehicle for suggested tire rotation patterns, as this will differ depending on the type of vehicle you have.

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