Are you noticing excessive wear on the outside of your tires? If so, it’s time to address this issue before it leads to more serious problems. Tire wear is a common problem that many drivers face, and understanding its causes can help prolong the lifespan of your tires and ensure a safer driving experience.
Here, our goal is to explore the main causes of outside tire wear and provide tips on how to prevent it. So, buckle up and get ready for some valuable insights into maintaining your vehicle’s tires!
Reasons Tires Wear on the Outside Edge
Outside tire wear can be caused by a number of variables, all of which require special attention. Understanding each potential source of outside tire wear can prove valuable when attempting to remedy the situation at hand.
The following are several of the most common causes of outside tire wear.
#1. Incorrect Tire Pressure.
Driving with the wrong tire pressure might seem harmless for some folks, but it’s one of the easiest ways to shorten your tires’ lifespan. Underinflated tires sag in the middle, which makes the outer edges press harder against the road. The result? Those edges start to wear down faster than they should.
You can avoid this by checking your tire pressure at least once a month and especially before long trips. It takes just a few minutes, and it’s a simple way to prevent unnecessary wear, improve fuel efficiency, and make your ride smoother overall.
Here’s a quick reminder:
- Underinflated tires wear more on the outer edges.
- Overinflated tires wear more in the center.
- Properly inflated tires wear evenly across the tread.
It’s a small habit that makes a massive difference in the long run.
#2. Not Enough Negative Camber (Bad Alignment).
A bad alignment is a great way to wear out tires quickly. If your vehicle doesn’t have enough negative camber, there will be too much weight from the vehicle over the outside of the tire (the part of the tire furthest from the cabin). This is called positive camber.
#3. Cornering Hard (Taking Turns Fast).
It’s rather unlikely that you would be taking hard turns often enough to cause outer tire wear, but it is a possibility.
When you take a turn quickly, the G forces from the turn put more load on the outside of the tire as the weight of the vehicle transfers to the outside.
#4. Bad Ball Joint.
Ball joints are part of the suspension system that allow each corner of the vehicle to articulate over bumps. If your ball joints are worn, there will be excessive play in the suspension.
One way suspension problems manifest is through unusual tire wear.
#5. Bad Tie Rod (For Front Tires).
Tie rods connect your front wheels to the steering rack, which moves when you turn the steering wheel. Bad tie rods can cause all sorts of weird wear patterns on the front tires, as well as erratic steering behavior.
If you think you have a bad tie rod, make sure to get it replaced as soon as possible. You don’t want that failing while you’re driving down the road.
#6. Improper Tire Rotation.
It’s important to rotate your tires on a regular interval. That interval will depend where, how, and what you drive.
If you forget to rotate your tires, the front tires may wear down faster than the rear tires, or the outer tire patch may wear down faster than the inner patch.
The manner and rate at which your tires wear will depend on the weight distribution of your vehicle, how you drive, and if you have a front, rear, or all-wheel drive vehicle.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to get your tires rotated once every 6,000 miles. Your owner’s manual should give you a more accurate estimate for your specific vehicle.
#7. Bad Shocks.
When your shocks are bad, your tire may not remain in constant contact with the road. In other words, the tire bounces off the road slightly like dribbling a basketball.
You will actually see uneven wear from bad shocks. Depending on your vehicle, this wear may sometimes be more noticeable on the outside of the tire.
How to Fix Worn Tires on the Outside Edge
Now that you know the signs, let’s talk about how to stop your tires from wearing on the outside in the first place. The good news? It’s not complicated. With a few small habits and regular checkups, you can keep your tires in great shape for much longer.
Keep Tire Pressure in Check.
It sounds simple, but tire pressure is everything. Underinflated tires flex more than they should, forcing the outer edges to carry extra load and wear faster.
You can make it a routine to check your tire pressure at least once a month – and always before a long trip. Doing this keeps wear even, improves fuel efficiency, and gives your car a smoother, more predictable ride. You can usually find the correct PSI listed on a sticker inside your driver’s door or in your owner’s manual.
Rotate Your Tires Regularly.
Tire rotation helps even out wear across all four tires since each position wears differently depending on your car’s setup. Front tires usually take more stress due to steering and braking, so rotating them spreads the wear evenly.
It’s quick, inexpensive, and extends the life of your tires by thousands of miles.
Schedule Regular Wheel Alignments.
Misalignment is one of the main reasons for tires wearing on the outside. Over time, bumps, potholes, and even small curbs can knock your alignment off. Getting it checked at least once a year (or sooner if you notice uneven wear) keeps your car tracking straight and your tires wearing evenly.
Always follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations or ask your local shop for advice based on your driving style.
Inspect Suspension Components.
Your shocks, struts, and control arms don’t just make your ride comfortable – they also keep your tires in proper contact with the road. When these parts wear out, weight distribution shifts and causes excessive outer-edge pressure.
If your car feels bouncy, clunky, or unstable, it might be time to inspect the suspension. Replacing worn components early can save both your tires and your alignment.
Avoid Overloading Your Car.
I get it – sometimes we all overload our cars for a trip or a project. But carrying too much weight puts extra pressure on your tires and causes them to bulge outward, which leads to edge wear. Always stay within your car’s recommended load capacity.
You can find the load index printed on your tire’s sidewall or check the detailed explanation in this post:
Choose the Right Tires.
Not all tires are created equal. Picking the right ones for your driving conditions, climate, and car type makes a big difference. The wrong tire compound or tread pattern can exaggerate wear issues, while a good match keeps your tires balanced, quiet, and long-lasting.
Maintaining your tires isn’t a one-time thing – it’s about consistency. You don’t need to obsess over every detail, but staying on top of these basics will keep you safer and save you money in the long run. Think of it like a routine checkup for your car – a few minutes of attention now can prevent a whole lot of headaches later.
