Uneven tire wear can reduce traction and shorten tire life. The wear pattern often helps a technician identify whether pressure, alignment, suspension, balance, or tire rotation may be involved.
Look for patterns
- More wear on one edge
- Center wear or both-edge wear
- Cupping, scalloping, or irregular patches
- One tire wearing much faster than the others
Next steps
Check pressure cold using the vehicle placard. Document the pattern and schedule a tire and suspension inspection. Do not assume alignment is the only cause.

