Improper Tire Balance

• An out-of-balance tire does far more than cause problems with vibration, handling and ride. A tire that is out of balance will generate more heat and be more prone to catastrophic failure, especially if it has been out of balance for a long time and caused thin spots in the tire.
  
  

Improper Tire Inflation

• Correct tire inflation is very important for proper tire wear and safety. An underinflated tire causes the tire to run hot and can cause damage to tire sidewalls. In cases of extreme underinflation, the tire may actually run on the sidewall and severely weaken its structural integrity. In general, underinflated tires will wear more on the outside of the tire. Overinflation, although good for fuel economy, can cause excessive wear in the center of the tire as the excess pressure causes the tread to bow outward.
  
  

Wheel Alignment Problems

• A car that doesn't have its tires properly aligned, both with each other and with the car itself, can result in safety issues and uneven tire wear. A tire that is not aligned with the direction of the vehicle will wear more than other tires. A tire that isn't straight up and down may wear more on the inside or outside of the tire. In addition to tire wear issues, alignment problems can be a safety issue as they can cause a car to pull in a particular direction.
  
  

Worn Suspension Components

• Worn suspension components can make it difficult, or sometimes impossible, to properly align the tires. A worn bushing can allow a tire to move more than normal and trigger wear on a particular part of the tire. Worn shock absorbers, wheel bushings, or springs can cause uneven tire wear and can also cause safety issues if they fail completely.
  
  

Tire Rotation

• Tire rotation is the practice of moving tires from one wheel to another. By regularly rotating your tires, wear patterns are spread over all tires on your car. Regularly rotating tires can help prevent tire imbalances due to uneven wear on one particular tire. Tires should be rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. There are different ways to rotate tires. The proper way will depend on the type of tires and whether your car is a front wheel drive or a rear wheel drive model. Check with a tire supplier for the proper method for your car and tires.