What Causes Tires to Wear Unevenly?

You may already know that regular tire rotation increases tire life, but what causes tires to wear unevenly in the first place? Uneven tire tread wear is inevitable, and will result from normal driving. But factors like the climate in Henrico and your own driving habits can exacerbate the rate of wear. Read the guide below from the Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond tire center to explore the causes of tire tread wear, and what to do about it.

Why Does Tire Tread Wear Matter?

Tire treads help your car’s tires to properly grip the road surface. When treads wear down unevenly, less of the tire’s surface area is able to contact the road and establish traction. That’s a problem when roads are wet, slick, or unstable in any way. Whether you’re hitting the interstate to Glen Allen or taking a farm road to Hamilton, properly-maintained tire treads are crucial for your safety.

Causes of Uneven Tire Tread Wear

What causes tires to wear unevenly is usually one of two things: misalignment or improper tire inflation.

• Misalignment: Misaligned wheels are fairly common, and can be caused by anything from a pothole to running over a curb. Misalignment can cause serious damage to other systems in your vehicle if left unchecked, but it’s an easy fix. Whether your car needs wheel balancing or wheel alignment, a Chevrolet technician can take care of it when you schedule service at the Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond service center.
• Improper Inflation Pressure: Proper tire inflation maintains optimal weight distribution across all four tires. Not only will that preserve your tire treads, but your car will also brake and handle more effectively. Too much or not enough air pressure puts extra stress on your tires, and on other systems throughout your vehicle. Check your tire pressure on a regular schedule and anytime your ride feels unsteady. Learn more about your vehicle’s regular maintenance intervals from your owner’s manual, or give us a call at (844) 415-1110 to speak with an expert.

Find Expert Tire Service in Richmond

Now that you know what causes tires to wear unevenly on your drives to Goochland, why not learn more about DIY tire care? Even if you’d rather let the experts take care of any issues, you can learn to tell when your vehicle needs new spark plugs, an oil change, or a new battery. Contact us today to learn more!