Your tyres are the only part of your car that directly touch the road, so it’s no surprise they take a bit of a beating. Tyre wear is something every car owner should keep an eye on, not just for safety but also to save money and improve performance.
If you’ve ever wondered why tyres wear unevenly or how to keep them in top condition, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down.
Quick Answer: Tyre wear occurs as tyres age and are used, influenced by factors like tyre pressure, alignment, and road conditions. Uneven wear, bald spots, or cracks are signs to watch for, and regular maintenance can extend tyre life and improve safety.
What Causes Tyre Wear?
Tyre wear happens naturally as you drive, but the rate and pattern of wear depend on a mix of factors, including:
- Driving habits: Heavy braking, fast cornering, or frequent high-speed driving can speed up wear.
- Road conditions: Rough or poorly maintained roads are harder on tyres.
- Tyre quality: High-quality tyres often last longer and wear more evenly.
- Alignment and balance: Misaligned wheels or unbalanced tyres can cause uneven wear.
Signs of Tyre Wear to Watch Out For
Not all tyre wear is obvious at first glance, but there are key warning signs to look out for:
1. Tread Depth
Legally, your tyre tread depth must be at least 1.5mm in Australia. If it’s less, it’s time for a replacement. Many tyres come with tread wear indicators – small bars across the tread – to make checking easier.
2. Uneven Tread Wear
If one side of your tyre is worn more than the other (known as ‘camber wear’), it could mean your wheels are misaligned, or, if you’re seeing a lot of centre wear, your tyres aren’t properly inflated.
3. Bald Spots
Patches of smooth, tread-free rubber are often caused by unbalanced wheels or sudden braking.
4. Cracks and Bulges
These can be signs of tyre ageing or damage. Cracks might appear due to long-term exposure to the elements, while bulges often result from impacts like hitting a pothole.
It’s important to remember that the minimum legal tread depth of 1.5mm applies to any part of the tyre – so if you find less than 1.5mm with tread depth gauge, even on a part of the tyre that’s irregular wear, you need to change your tyres immediately.
Why Does Tyre Wear Unevenly?
Uneven tyre wear can be frustrating and costly, especially when it shortens the life of your tyres. Here are the main culprits and the tyre wear patterns to look out for:
1. Incorrect Tyre Pressure
If your tyres are under inflated, the outer edges of the tread wear faster. Overinflation, on the other hand, causes excessive wear in the centre.
Pro Tip: Check your tyre pressure regularly (at least once a month) and match it to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You’ll find these details in your car’s manual or on a sticker in the driver’s door frame.
2. Misaligned Wheels
Wheel alignment refers to the angle of your wheels in relation to the road and each other. Incorrect wheel alignment can result in one side of a tyre wearing out faster than the other.
3. Suspension Issues
Worn suspension components can cause your tyres to make uneven contact with the road, leading to patchy or unusual wear patterns.
4. Driving Style
Hard cornering or aggressive driving can put extra strain on specific parts of the tyre, causing uneven wear over time.
The Role of Tyre Pressure in Reducing Premature Tyre Wear
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your tyres. Here’s why it matters:
- Safety First: Properly inflated tyres grip the road better, reducing the risk of skidding or losing control.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your car uses more fuel to keep moving.
- Longer Tyre Life: Balanced pressure ensures even tread wear, preventing the need for early replacements.
Tips to Prevent Tyre Wear
A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to your tyres. Here’s how to keep them in tip-top shape:
- Rotate Your Tyres: Regular tyre rotation helps distribute wear evenly across all four tyres. Aim to rotate them every 10,000km or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
- Check Alignment: Have your wheel alignment checked if you notice uneven wear, your car pulling to one side, or after hitting a kerb or pothole.
- Inspect Tyres Regularly: Look for cracks, bulges, or embedded objects that could lead to damage.
- Invest in Quality Tyres: While premium tyres might cost more upfront, they often last longer and perform better in the long run.
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid sudden braking, hard cornering, or speeding, all of which can increase tyre wear.
When Should You Replace Your Tyres?
Beyond the legal tread depth limit, you should replace your tyres if:
- They’re more than 5-7 years old (even if they look fine).
- They have significant cracks, cuts, or bulges.
- You notice frequent air loss, which could mean internal damage.
- Your tyre wear indicators become visible (even on part of the tyre).
Why Regular Checks Are Worth It
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your tyres isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about keeping you safe, saving money, and getting the most out of your vehicle. And if all this sounds like a hassle, don’t worry—Auto Hero makes it easy to find local tyre professionals who can help.
Simply jump on Auto Hero, compare services near you, and book a trusted expert to handle your tyre needs. From wheel alignment to pressure checks, we’ve got you covered.
Keep Your Tyres Rolling Smoothly
Understanding tyre wear and staying on top of maintenance will make your drives safer and smoother while saving you money in the long run. So, the next time you’re filling up at the servo, take a minute to check your tyres – they’ll thank you for it!
Written By
Matt Banks
Matt is the founder of Autohero.com.au and has been hooked on cars and repairs ever since childhood.
A veteran in automotive since leaving school, Matt has completed his trade as a panel beater and is across all things with wheels.
His first car was a 1967 FORD XR Wagon followed by a string of collectable Holden’s.
Have a question for Matt? leave a comment below.