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Signs of Irregular Tire Wear

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We recommend that you inspect your tires on a monthly basis for signs of uneven wear. If the problem isn't corrected, further tire damage will occur. Uneven wear patterns can be caused by the following:

  • improper inflation pressure
  • misalignment
  • improper balance
  • suspension neglect

As you can see from the examples below, if your tire's tread isn't wearing evenly, you may have a problem:

If you suspect that you have a problem, please visit a Dunn Tire location as soon as possible. If the problem is discovered early enough, and we are able to fix the issue, your tires may continue to be used on your vehicle. Keep in mind that uneven wear patterns may indicate that the tire has suffered internal structural damage and should be brought to us immediately for inspection.

Always remove tires from service when they reach a remaining tread depth of two thirty-seconds of an inch (2/32"). If not corrected, wet weather accidents are more likely to happen due to skidding on bald or nearly bald tires. Also, excessively worn tires are more susceptible to damage from road hazards.

Built-in treadwear indicators, or "wear bars," which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread, will appear on the tire when that point of wear is reached. When you see these wear bars, the tire is worn out and it's time to replace it.

Remember to inspect your tires frequently. Look for any stones, bits of glass, metal or other foreign objects wedged in the tread. These may work deeper into the tire, cause air loss and allow moisture into the tire structure, both of which can lead to tire failure.

If any tire continually needs more air, bring it to us and we'll find out why it is leaking. Damage to the tire, wheel or valve may be the problem.