Why Do Car Tires Wear Out?

Frequent tire blowouts, damaged rims or suspension, subpar tires, and imbalances over time can lead to a treacherous pothole-ridden journey.

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Over time and with regular use, car tires will inevitably wear down. On average, tires last approximately 30,000 – 50,000 km or 5 – 7 years, depending on terrain, driving style, and the type of tires used. However, in some cases, tires may wear unevenly, developing bald spots, which can compromise safety and driving performance.

When a car’s tires are balding, experienced drivers may notice vibrations in the steering wheel or seat while operating the vehicle. Additionally, at higher speeds, abnormal noise resembling driving on a gravel road may be heard from the wheel wells.

It is recommended to rotate tires every 20,000 km to prevent uneven wear. (Illustrative image)

Uneven tire wear can also cause the vehicle to pull to one side, even when the steering wheel is straight. These are signs that should not be ignored by vehicle owners as they can reduce the tires’ grip on the road, leading to potential tire blowouts or accidents if left unaddressed.

Causes of Uneven Tire Wear

There are several reasons why car tires may wear unevenly.

The most common cause is tire imbalance over time, causing the tires to tilt beyond the permissible limit, altering the contact surface with the road, and resulting in uneven wear.

Another prevalent cause stems from a damaged or aged suspension system and related components. As a consequence, the wheels may not roll smoothly on the road or may exhibit bounce, creating uneven pressure points on the tires and leading to uneven wear. Using tires that do not meet the specified standards or using second-hand tires can also damage this component.

Uneven tire wear can also be attributed to the driver’s habit of consistently underinflating the tires.

Additionally, if the wheel rim is bent or deformed due to driving on rough roads or hitting deep potholes repeatedly, it can adversely affect the tires, causing them to wear unevenly if left unaddressed.

Therefore, car owners should regularly inspect the tire treads, ideally once or twice a month. After covering a distance of 15,000-20,000 km, it is recommended to rotate the tires to prolong their lifespan and ensure even wear across all surfaces.

According to VTCnews

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