What is Tread Wear?
If the tires on your vehicle have logged some miles, you might want to take a closer look. Over time, tread wear patterns will indicate whether your tires are properly balanced, aligned and inflated. When a car is in good mechanical condition and tires are properly inflated, tread wear appears even. Looking down the face of the tire from inside to outside, there should be no noticeable difference in wear. Running a palm down the face of the tire should reveal a smooth, uniform surface without undulations. If the mechanical condition of the front-end is not so tiptop, it will show in the tread wear. For example, when tires are not balanced, the vehicle will vibrate at certain speeds and the steering wheel might shake. Tread wear in this case becomes “cupped” down the face of the tire. Tread depth undulates unevenly, felt easily by running a palm down the tire.
