New car or truck tires are expensive. So, when you put them on your vehicle, you want them to last. Unfortunately, uneven wear patterns can lead to premature failure. Here are four common reasons why your tires might wear unevenly, and what you should do about them.

1. Unbalanced or Bent Wheels

When a vehicle’s wheels are imbalanced or bent, it directly affects how the tires contact the road. As a result, abnormal wear patterns will start to appear. If you notice patchy spots on the tires, where certain areas seem to have more wear than others, this is likely the cause. Having the tires balanced and rotated can help even it out.

2. Suspension Problems

Abnormal tire wear is often an early indicator that your vehicle’s suspension starting to go. This shows up as cupping, which is a diagonal pattern resulting from your car bouncing on the pavement. If you suspect this is the problem, it’s time to schedule a service appointment for new shocks and struts West Palm Beach FL.

3. Improper Inflation Levels

Having too much or not enough air in your tires can cause irregular tread wear. Luckily, there is an easy fix for this problem. Check the owner’s manual or the label inside the driver door panel for proper tire inflation levels for your vehicle. Use these numbers to keep your tires at the correct pressure for optimal wear. Be sure to pay attention to any recommended differences between front and back tires.

4. Poor Alignment

There are systems in a vehicle to ensure it tracks straight on the road with all four tires in vertical alignment. When the alignment is off, you’ll notice uneven wear patterns. Schedule an alignment check to see if this is your problem.

Improper alignment, poor tire pressure, a failing suspension, and unbalanced wheels can all contribute to uneven tire wear. Knowing how to recognize the signs of each can help you fix the problem before it ruins your tires.