What is uneven tyre wear?
Tyres are designed to wear evenly on the tread. When your wheel alignment and suspension are good, the contact patch of the tyre remains flat on the road, maintaining even pressure and smooth wear.
When something is amiss, such as a worn shock absorber or an out-of-alignment wheel, the tyre is rubbing the road in an uneven manner. This results in patchy, scalloped, or one-sided wear patterns.
Asymmetrical wear not only decreases tyre life, but also reduces grip and makes your car more difficult to handle.
How the suspension influences tyre wear
The suspension system's job is to keep the tyres pressed down uniformly onto the road, regardless of bumps, turns, or load changes.
When any of the suspension parts are out of alignment or worn, the movement or angle of the wheel changes, causing the tyre pressure to be unevenly distributed. This results in faster wear on some areas compared to others.
It's like walking with one shoe slightly tilted. As time passes, it wears unevenly. That's the same thing that will happen when your car’s suspension isn't in balance.
Common suspension problems that cause uneven tyre wear
Here is the list of the most common suspension-related reasons behind uneven tyre wear and how to address them.
1. Worn shock absorbers or struts
Shock absorbers (or struts) keep your tyres in contact with the road by controlling bouncing after bumps. When they wear out, the tyres can bounce excessively, causing uneven tread wear, especially cupping (small dips or scallops across the tread).
Signs:
• Bumpy or bouncy ride
• Oil leaking from shock absorbers
• Tyres showing wave-like wear
Fix:
Replace worn shocks or struts in pairs (front or rear). Proper damping will restore even tyre contact and prevent further wear.
2. Misaligned suspension or wheels
Wheel alignment ensures that your tyres meet the road at the correct angles (camber, caster, and toe). Misalignment is one of the leading causes of uneven tyre wear.
Types of misalignment wear:
• Camber wear: Inner or outer edges of tyres wear faster.
• Toe wear: Feathered or sawtooth wear across the tread.
Fix:
Get a wheel alignment check every 5,000–10,000 km or after hitting a pothole or speed breaker hard. It’s a quick and affordable fix that saves tyre life.
3. Worn suspension bushings
Bushings are small rubber parts that cushion joints in your suspension. When they wear out, metal components can move more freely than they should, causing slight changes in wheel angles and resulting in uneven wear.
Signs:
• Clunking noise over bumps
• Loose or shaky steering
• Uneven tyre edges
Fix:
Replace worn bushings with high-quality rubber or polyurethane ones to restore proper suspension geometry.
4. Bent control arms
Control arms hold the wheels in position while allowing up-and-down movement. If a control arm is bent from an accident or a large pothole impact, it alters wheel alignment and leads to uneven wear.
Fix:
Inspect the suspension arms for bends or cracks. Replace damaged ones immediately; repairing or bending them back is unsafe.
5. Faulty ball joints
Ball joints act as pivot points between the suspension and the wheels. When they wear out, the wheels may tilt or move more than they should, leading to edge wear on tyres.
Signs:
• Clunking noise from the front
• Wandering steering
• Uneven tyre edges
Fix:
Replace worn ball joints and perform a wheel alignment after the repair is complete.
6. Damaged tie rods or steering components
Tie rods connect the steering rack to the wheels. Worn or loose tie rods cause the wheels to point slightly inward or outward (toe misalignment), resulting in uneven wear on the tyres.
Fix:
Replace damaged tie rods and get the wheels aligned. Delaying this repair can make steering unsafe.
7. Sagging or broken springs
Springs support your car’s weight and maintain ride height. If one side sags or a spring breaks, it changes the suspension geometry, causing one tyre to bear more load and wear faster.
Signs:
• Car leaning to one side
• Uneven ride height
• Clunking noises on bumps
Fix:
Replace the damaged spring(s) in pairs to restore proper ride height and load balance.
8. Worn wheel bearings
Wheel bearings allow your car’s wheels to spin smoothly. When they wear out, they can cause the wheel to tilt slightly, resulting in irregular contact with the road and uneven tyre wear.
Fix:
Replace worn bearings promptly. Driving with bad bearings is unsafe and can damage other suspension parts.
Types of uneven tyre wear and what they mean
Recognising the wear pattern helps identify which suspension part might be at fault:
| Tyre wear pattern | Likely cause |
| Inner or outer edge wear | Wheel alignment (camber issue) |
| Cupped or scalloped wear | Worn shocks or struts |
| Centre wear | Over-inflated tyres |
| Both edges worn | Under-inflated tyres |
| Feathered wear | Toe misalignment or worn steering parts |
Regularly inspecting your car’s tyres helps you catch these signs early before they lead to expensive repairs.
How to check for uneven tyre wear
You don’t always need special tools to detect uneven wear. Try these simple checks:
- Visual inspection: Look at the tyre tread pattern for bald spots, scallops, or uneven edges.
- Run your hand over the tread: If it feels rough or wavy, it indicates irregular wear.
- Check tyre pressure: Incorrect pressure can exaggerate wear.
- Look at ride height: If the car leans to one side, suspension issues may be the cause.
If you notice any of these signs, get your car’s suspension inspected by a mechanic. Uneven tyre wear often indicates suspension or alignment issues. At our ACKO Drive service centres, we use advanced machines to correct alignment and balance. You’ll enjoy a smoother ride and longer tyre life.
You can book a service slot at our ACKO Drive service centres online through the ACKO app or the ACKO Drive website. We offer free doorstep pickup and drop-off, a detailed diagnostic report and online updates about each step, from car pickup to invoicing.
Dangers of uneven tyre wear
Ignoring uneven tyre wear can put your safety at risk. Here’s why:
• Reduced road grip, especially in rain
• Longer braking distance
• Poor handling and cornering
• Increased risk of tyre blowout
• Higher fuel consumption
• Costly suspension and alignment repairs later
Proper suspension health is key to both safety and comfort.
How to fix uneven tyre wear caused by suspension issues
The right fix depends on the cause, but mechanics typically follow these steps:
1. Inspect the suspension system – check shocks, bushings, springs, and arms.
2. Check for misalignment – adjust camber, caster, and toe angles.
3. Replace worn components – such as shocks, ball joints, or bushings.
4. Balance and rotate tyres – to even out wear and improve stability.
5. Test drive and recheck – ensure smooth handling and no abnormal noises.
After any suspension work, a wheel alignment is essential to ensure even tyre contact.
How to prevent uneven tyre wear
A few easy routines can go a long way in avoiding uneven wear:
• Change tyres every 8,000–10,000 km.
• Check tyre pressure bi-weekly.
• Get a wheel alignment and balancing every 6 months or 5,000 km.
• Check suspension parts frequently, particularly after running over potholes.
• Replace worn-out shocks, bushings, and joints in a timely manner.
• Avoid overloading the car, as it puts stress on suspension components.
Proper care keeps your tyres lasting longer and your drives smoother.
Uneven tyre wear is usually a symptom rather than the problem itself. In most cases, the problem lies with your car’s suspension, whether it's worn shocks, faulty bushings, or improper alignment.
Don't ignore it not only because it ends up costing you new tyres but also because it impacts handling, braking, and safety in general. The good news is that all these problems are easy to prevent with regular check-ups and timely maintenance.
So, the next time you see uneven tyre wear, don't simply change the tyres; have the suspension inspected. A simple repair today could save you significant costs and ensure your car is safe, comfortable, and dependable on every trip.
Frequently asked questions
