Why are my tires wearing on the outside?

Question

I have a front wheel drive car and the outside edges of my tires (especially the driver side) is wearing pretty bad. They are almost "rounded". I know that I need an alignment, but I am curious if you think something else could be wrong.... Any other reasons as to why they would be wearing so bad? I am getting it checked out next week, but just curious what I may be up against....

Answer 1

put air in it!! low air pressure=bulging tires and also worse gas mileage.

Answer 2

There are a few different things that can cause tire wear on the outer edge. Alignment, of course, also A frame bushings or worn tie rod ends. One way to find out if it is a suspension problem is to turn the wheel all the way in one direction, then reverse slowly. A worn or blown A frame bushing will cause the wheel to feel like its 'clunking' or moving oddly. Also, a visual examination can tell you alot. The A frame bushing is found where the A frame (a frame shaped like an A that supports the wheel) meets the chassis, take a look back there and see if anything made out of rubber and in between two other pieces of metal are cracked, torn, or missing. Suspension problems can be very dangerous if not repaired properly, as you can send a wheel flying off of your car, which at any significant speed will result in a very bad day. If you are in any way unsure about what you are doing, do research or have a properly trained professional do the repairs. I recently had a similar problem, and had to do both A frame bushings, all tie rod ends, struts, basically the whole front end of my truck. Not cheap, but boy she handles well now. Good luck.

Answer 3

I've worked in the tire industry for 5 years. I see unevenly worn tires every day.

Edgewear is caused by;

Improper alignment
Incorrect tire pressure
Lack of rotation
Some combination of 2 or 3 of the above

The alignment may be off simply from normal wear and tear or it may be due to worn parts in the suspension or steering such as ball joints or tie rod ends. If that is the case the offending part(s) should be replaced before the alignment is corrected. Depending on the amount of edgewear you may need to consider replacing the tires. A tire is only as good as the point where the tread is thinnest.

Answer 4

It's likely the camber is not set correct. If its a new (05/06) HONDA then its likely it can not be properly aligned, Honda is shifting the frame to compensate and trying to get the alignment set right but all it does is cause the thrust to be off, causing other problem as well as causing the tires to ware improperly and the vehicle to dog track. If its not a Honda then you should get the alignment checked for worn suspension parts and if all is well then get the alignment properly set by a qualified technician. You will need good tires to properly set the alignment as well. Good Luck and GOD Bless

Answer 5

Alignment is most likely the culprit. However, you didnt mention how many miles you have, so you could have some wornout parts.

Low tire pressure mentioned in the answers above would cause both edges to wear, not just the outer edge.

Answer 6

sound like probably a worn out tie rod, so get the alignment checked and they will most likely reccommend replacement of the worn out tie rod before they can align it. cant align loose parts, it wont stay. this is a safety issue so get it done quickly. also get those tires rotated to the rear. rotate your tires regularly.
be careful out there.

Answer 7

i own a repair shop,and its one of two things with it,your either running too much air pressure or the front end is out of alignment on it,if i was you to keep from guessing id take it to a shop,and have them check the front end for worn out parts or alignment,this way you,ll know for sure whats going on with it,grand -Am's are good for getting out of alignment,but its not a real expensive repair as long as all the front end parts are good,but be safe,and have it checked,then you,ll know,good luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 8

You answered your own question, you need an alignment. Make sure your tire pressure is proper as under inflated will wear out the outers.

Answer 9

because that is where the pressure is when you corner. The remedy is to rotate you tires at a regular intervals, and to keep your tire inflated within the recommended range.
Still, tires do wear out.

Answer 10

you have the right diagnostic answer, it needs lined up badly and if there are any bad parts in the frontend they will not line it up until the parts are replaced, they will check all that out before they align it.

Answer 11

The tires should be rotated , balanced and check your alignment it sounds like it is out .