Tire Wear | Auto Repair Shops Lewisville, TX
Tire wear can provide an indicator as to the condition of your vehicle’s suspension components. Abnormal wear patterns are frequently caused by the need for tire maintenance, or for front end alignment. Tires should be inspected at least once per week. When you detect tire wear bring your car in to Fifth Gear’s auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX for inspection, suspension repair or front end alignment.
Recognizing the signs of wear can provide an early warning that can prevent a shortened tire life and/or alert you to the need for auto repair of worn suspension components in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX. A weekly tire inspection includes a visual check for wear, and checking the tire pressure in all four tires with a pocket pressure gauge. You will find the recommended tire pressure stamped on the tire. The amount can vary between brands and designs.
A good rule of thumb is to maintain the correct tire pressure year round. Extremely hot or cold weather can affect tire pressure, and is especially important for weekly monitoring during temperature changes. There are a number of potential wear patterns indicating a variety of problems. The following are a few of the most common.
Over Inflation
Consistently high tire air pressure will result in excessive wear at the center of the tread, due to the tire riding on the center rather than evenly across. This is often due to airing up a tire without checking the air pressure. Tire inflation pressure should always be checked with a reliable tire gauge. This wear pattern can be due to tires too wide for the rims. Always use properly sized tires for the rims, or replace the rims. Center wear due to over inflation
Under Inflation
Consistent under inflation of tires results in an excess of contact with the road on the outer treads resulting in premature wear. This type of wear can potentially occur with normal tire pressure when a steering component is bent, worn or when wheel alignment is needed. Bent steering or idler arms can cause incorrect toe-in and poor handling characteristics on turns and will require the services of a mechanic in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX. Outer tread wear due to under inflation.
Feathering
Feathering occurs when the edge of the tread rib develops a slightly rounded edge on one side of the tire and a sharp edge on the other. You can typically feel the sharp edges before they are visible. The common cause of feathering is incorrect toe-in setting; Feathering can typically be corrected with wheel alignment. It can be due to worn components in the suspension, causing the wheel alignment to move as the vehicle travels. Fifth Gear Automotive provides wheel alignment services utilizing the latest equipment and certified mechanics in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX. Side-wear due to feathering
One Side Wear
When an inner or outer side of a tire wears faster than the remainder of the tire, the wheel is leaning too far inward or outward placing an excessive load on the affected side, indicating the need for alignment. The misalignment can potentially be due to worn springs, ball joints, or control arm bushings. Fifth Gear Automotive offers certified mechanics with the expertise for quality suspension repair in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX. One sided wear due to misalignment
Cupping
Cupping appears on the edge of the tread and can be the inner or outer side of the tire. Cupping typically indicates worn or bent suspension components such as ball joints, wheel bearing, shock absorber, springs, bushings. Worn components should be replaced to correct the issue. Occasionally, wheels that are out of balance will wear tires similarly, though wheel imbalance typically causes bald spots between the outside edges and the center of the tread. Fifth Gear Automotive offers balancing and suspension repair in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX. Wear due to cupping
Second-rib Wear
Second-rib wear is generally only found in radial tires. Wear appears where the steel belts end related to the tread. Careful attention to tire pressure and the proper rotation of the tires will minimize it. A few manufacturers consider a slight amount of second rib wear to be normal. Excessive amounts of wear can indicate that the tires are too wide for the wheels. Ensure to use properly sized wheels and tires together.
Fifth Gear Automotive specializes in automotive repair and automotive service for all makes of automobiles including luxury cars. In addition, Hybrid Car battery reconditioning is now offered by our SAE technicians.
When your automobile requires service, repair or other needs, Fifth Gear Automotive is your one stop shop for quality automotive services delivered by technicians dedicated to providing integrity, reliability, superior performance and customer satisfaction. Visit our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX for questions regarding tire wear, and for your automotive needs.
