Uneven tread wear on tyres on a 12 month old Fiat Panda?

Question

The two front tyres on my car are worn down to 1 & 1.6 on the inside. I've had the tracking checked and the garage can't find anything wrong with the steering etc. Any suggestions before I go out and buy new tyres?

Where would anyone suggest I get the camber checked? garage says tracking and steering fine and what you all say makes sense especially as I realise the tyres are ilegal and I carry precious cargo - my children

Thank you everybody a real help I think it's the tracking, the car is under warranty and Fiat are now investigating. The road humps answer is interesting and no they aren't cheap tyres but 'continentals' and they are/were correctly inflated.

Answer 1

It can only be one of three things

tracking, steering, camber setting.

Getting new tyres before you have found the fault is a no brainer, you will wear the new tyres exactly the same.

I would suggest going to a specialist rather that just a local garage. Someone who will check the complete steering geometry for you.



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Answer 2

Fiat Panda Tyres

Answer 3

Despite what the garage have told you, what you describe are classic symptoms of incorrect tracking/alignment of the wheels.

Get the new tyres and have a proper full alignment of the wheels done.

Edit. In answer to you additional info. As far as national tyre chains are concerned ATS generally have pretty good equipment. Unless you specifically request it, many of the "fast fit" tyre & exhaust companies will just toe in the front wheels and not do a full alignment that includes camber, so it is best to ring and check what they can do first. It is usually good independants that invest in the top quality specialist alignment equipment. If you live near Bolton I personally recommend Thistlethwaite's.

Answer 4

Go to a Fiat dealer that has 4 wheel alignment tracking equipment. if the problem is due to anything that is not wear and tear or adjustment related, the dealer may correct it free of charge. They will also know if there have been factory recommended updates to settings etc. Do this before you buy new tyres

Answer 5

Could be any of the following,
Allingment,
Driving over the kerb
Not fully inflated or even tyre make not good or remould tyres, Camber setting.
Check your tyre pressure on a regular basis.
Get it checked by a tyre specialist or ask the RAC /AA

Answer 6

Do you live in an area with "traffic calming" speed cushions?
If so, do you straddle them as you drive over them to minimise the bump?
This can cause drastically increased wear to the inside of your tyres, and can also damage the suspension/steering, leading to incorrect wheel alignment.

Try taking legal action against your local authority for the cost of the tyres, and in future do not straddle the speed cushions.

Answer 7

You need new tyres asap, as you are almost under the legal tread limit. If you get stopped you will get 3 points on your licence for each tyre that is under.

Answer 8

if the tracking fine then it's the camber setting or are you not putting enough air in.
if you go to fiat ask them if the settings off square as on some cars it is

Answer 9

You have an alignment problem. Sounds like the camber angle may need adjustment.

Answer 10

They must be cheap tires. You are at a rotation time for your tires. Front left to right rear and front right to left rear. Rears to the opposite front. Radial tires will last a lot longer. Rotate them each 10 to 15,000 miles, especially if you are a high mileage driver.