Underinflation can cause tires to wear more on the outside than the inside. It also causes reduced fuel efficiencyand increased heat buildup in the tires. It is important to check the tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month.
Overinflation causes tires to wear more in the center of the tread. The tire pressure should never exceed the maximum that is listed on the side of the tire. Car manufacturers often suggest a lower pressure than the maximum because the tires will give a softer ride.
But running the tires at a higher pressure will improve mileage.
Misalignment of the wheels causes either the inside or the outside to wear unevenly, or to have a rough, slightly torn appearance.
Tire Wear Patterns
TIRE TREAD The tread of a tire or track refers to the rubber on its circumference that makes contact with the road. As tires are used, the tread is worn off, limiting its effectiveness in providing traction
RIB the large sections of space between tread blocks which run perpendicular to the line of travel and provide an ample amount of the tire's traction.
TREAD BLOCK of the wheels causes either the inside or the outside to wear unevenly, or to have a rough, slightly torn appearance.
GROOVES an elongated void area in a tread that may extend circumferentially or laterally about the tread in a straight curved, or zigzag manner.
SIPES Cuts slits, calledsipes, at 90° angles across the tread, providing thousands of gripping edges for better traction and stopping power
SHOULDER The portion of the tread between the tread center and the tire sidewall.
CAP PLIES an extra layer or two of polyester fabric to help hold everything in place.
STEEL BELTS belts made from steel are used to reinforce the area under the tread.
RADIAL PLIES a strip under the tread and relatively little stiffening in the sidewalls
BEAD CHAFFERS The area where the tire seats against the edges of the wheel, creating the seal that holds air in the tire is called the bead on both the wheel and the tire.
BEAD the term for the edge of a tire that sits on the wheel.