What Would Cause a Tire to Wear on the Outside? [Causes & Solutions]

What would cause a tire to wear on the outside? When the damage has been done, most drivers will ask this question. But unfortunately, they don’t notice any damage indicators until the tire’s performance has deteriorated. Such carelessness is not only dangerous but also costly.

What Would Cause a Tire to Wear on the Outside?

The following are the reasons why a tire wears on the outside:

1. Misalignment of the wheels

Have you recently encountered a speed bump or a pothole? Have you ever been in a car accident? The following are some of the most typical causes of wheel misalignment.

You most certainly have a misaligned wheel if you answered yes to the questions above. Outside tire tread wear will be accelerated as a result of this. Note that while everything may appear to be in order at first, tire wear on the outside edge mot will occur over time if you drive for a lengthy period.

The outer tire wear is caused by the outer surface of the tire scratching against the road pavement as it travels.

What you should do is:

Every 6,000 to 7,000 miles, get your tires aligned. As the suspension and wheels get older, reduce the time between alignment checkups.

2. Ball joints that have been worn

Ball joints are an essential part of your vehicle’s front suspension. Their job includes keeping the tire in optimal contact with the road during the suspension’s motion. They also regulate arms to ensure a smooth ride and complete control over your car.

Like other parts of your car, Ball joints are subject to wear and strain. As a result, your car’s wheels begin to point slightly outward as they show symptoms of damage. This is referred to as the wheel’s ‘toe’ getting out of alignment by mechanics.

Tire wear from worn-out ball joints is difficult to detect, yet it is just as dangerous as tire wear from wheel misalignment. Both put extra pressure on the tire’s exterior edge, which can cause the tire to wear out on the outside.

What you should do is:

The worn-out ball joints should be replaced, and the front wheels should be realigned. If the problem persists, the control arm may need to be replaced. All of these replacements might cost between $1500 and $2000.

3. Sagging or broken springs

Vehicle springs are essential for sustaining the vehicle’s entire weight and absorbing extra energy from road shocks. Because its anti-sway bar helps steady the car by altering the wheel’s movement, this is possible.

Constant heavy loads degrade or weaken the flexibility of car springs according to how the manufacturers designed them. On coil springs, you may detect a loss of arch, whereas, on leaf springs, you may notice a reduction in height. In addition, because of the loss of size due to aging, vehicles with coil springs will have increased exterior tire wear.

When a vehicle’s coil spring loses height, the entire suspension system becomes misaligned. As a result, the tires have no choice except to compensate by bearing the vehicle’s total weight. The result is tire tread wear on the outside.

What you should do is:

If you notice that your springs have sagged or broken, replace them with new ones. It’s a straightforward modification that anyone with basic DIY abilities can do. However, if you don’t have the time or don’t trust your instincts, seek professional assistance from a mechanic. Prepare to pay up to $450 on replacement parts, whichever route you take.

4. Struts or bent spindles

Struts, also known as spindles, are an important structural component of most automobiles’ suspension systems. They connect the shock absorber’s dampening impact with the upper ball joint and keep the wheel and tire assembly in place. Maintaining ride comfort also necessitates their peak performance.

The top of the strut is usually rotated to achieve optimal camber and proper wheel alignment. Unfortunately, the entire setting becomes misaligned when that specific part is bent. As a result, the wheel becomes misaligned, and the front tires begin to wear on the outside edge.

How much the spindle has bent will determine the size of the tire wear. That is to say, if you catch the bend in the spindle early enough, the harm to it and to the tire wear may be reversed.

What you should do is:

You have no choice but to replace the spindle if it has bent beyond repair. This might cost you  $480 to $600, depending on how much work and parts you need. However, if the damage to the spindle isn’t too bad, you can have it straightened at a tire shop for a fraction of the cost listed previously.

5. Inadequate inflator pressure

Tire wear on the outside edge of front tires could be caused by incorrect inflation. Improper tire inflation can cause uneven, inner, or exterior tire wear.

As a result, automakers define the front and rear tire pressures required for optimal driving comfort, fuel efficiency, and handling. They also take into account tire wear.

Tires that are properly inflated help disperse vehicle loads and cornering force and provide enough braking on the tread. The tire contact patch will struggle to do its job efficiently if the tire pressure is too high or low.

Abrasion of the tire tread will occur quickly in such a condition. Toe-out wear is caused by low tire pressure, but too much pressure can also be caused. As a result, you must always maintain the recommended tire pressure.

What you should do is:

If you have more than one car in your garage, I recommend obtaining a portable tire inflator. This allows you to check the tire pressure regularly without contacting a mechanic.

How Can You Tell if the Exterior of a Tire Is Worn?

If a quarter of the tread on one side of the tire’s the outside edge (the part nearest to the direction you move with your steering wheel) is gone, that portion is most likely worn out.

How to Keep Outside Tires from Wearing Out

Your vehicle’s tires are the single point of contact with the road. As a result, they must be maintained at ideal levels to ensure maximum traction and safety. Tire care is essential to ensure that they work as they go down the road.

Regular tire inspections

Even though tires are composed of durable materials, they must be checked regularly. Even if there is no evident wear or tear, tires should be examined before every long-distance trip and replaced every six years.

Rotation of tires

Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. This places the vehicle’s newly worn tire in front of it. Tire rotation minimizes uneven wear, friction, and heat.

Conclusion

Wear on the exterior of your tire can be caused by various factors. For example, its wheel may have been misaligned, the strut or spindle may have cracked, the suspension ball joints may have worn out, or the springs beneath your vehicle may have sagged. The good news is that these problems can all be resolved. However, the bad news is that the severity of the injury determines the cost of treatment.