Tire wear diagnosis?

Question

What's it mean when the insides of both front tires is worn so low that the metal is showing through. The outside tread is ok though on both tires.

Answer 1

Generally, uneven wear with excessive wear on both shoulders is an indication of improprer tire inflation - under-inflation to be specific. This may also be combined with lack of tire rotations and/or hard cornering. A bad alignment is unlikely to be the cause. One-sided shoulder wear such as you have (only the inside or only the outside is heavily worn) would be an alignment issue. Excessive toe angle (not camber) is the fault.

Since you are worn down to the cords these tires are no longer safe to drive and need to be replaced immediately as there is a high probability of catastrophic tire failure which can result in an accident. A tire is only as good as the point with the least tread. I would of course, also advise having the alignment done at the same time.

ASE Certified Automotive Service Advisor

Answer 2

Tire Wear Diagnosis

Answer 3

No, you can't collect on the tire tread wear warranty. This is a bad alignment problem. You might get by with a front end alignment but most likely you will need some new hardware like lower ball joints and some other pieces and parts to get you squared away.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

You need new tires...when the radial shows...you need new tires. By chance is your car lowered? Cars that wear the way you describe are often times lowered which causes the tires to camber. Buy new tires and a camber kit...this will prevent this wear in the future.

Answer 5

this could means a number of things could be worn ball joints caused this,tie rod ends can be worn,bent or worn struts,could be someone missaligned your tow and camber,the only way to be certain is to inspect the front end on all the things i have mentioned hope this helps you

Answer 6

Genius,

I think it's got something to do with the tracking on the front end being out. The garage will be able to align it when you buy replacement tyres.

Answer 7

if metal is showing you need to tires now. but your alignment is off.. when you get new tires have them align your wheels.

Answer 8

It means that you need a front-end alignment. your toe-in adjustment is way off.

Answer 9

They are towed out to much.

Answer 10

you have negative camber...or the wheels are tilted inward.