And How It’s Costing You More at the Pump
Tires are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle, but they’re also one of the most commonly neglected. If you’ve noticed your tires wearing out faster than expected, it’s a sign that something’s not quite right. Not only does rapid tire wear cost you money in replacements, but it also negatively impacts your fuel economy, ride quality, and overall safety.
Common Causes of Premature Tire Wear
1. Improper Wheel Alignment
If your wheels aren’t properly aligned, your tires can wear unevenly or more quickly on certain edges. Misalignment often results from hitting curbs, potholes, or suspension issues. You might not notice it right away, but over time, it leads to irregular wear patterns and shortens the lifespan of your tires. Expert tip: periodic alignment checks are a good idea, especially if you do mountain driving and seasonally change out your all-season tires for winter tires.
2. Incorrect Tire Pressure
Driving with tires that are overinflated or underinflated causes uneven wear and reduced handling. Underinflated tires wear more on the edges, while overinflated ones wear more down the center. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure (usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door) is one of the easiest ways to extend tire life. Expert tip: pay close attention to your tire pressure in the winters where ambient temperatures can swing 50+ degrees in the day. This causes a huge swing in tire pressure while a vehicle is at rest.
3. Worn Suspension Components
Your vehicle’s suspension system helps maintain proper tire contact with the road. If shocks, struts, or bushings are worn, it can lead to bumpy rides and rapid tire wear. You might also hear clunks or feel excessive bouncing over bumps, a clear sign it’s time for a suspension check. Expert tip: check your vehicle’s manufacturer’s schedule for suspension maintenance and stay ahead of needed repairs.
4. Unbalanced Tires
If your tires aren’t properly balanced, they can wear unevenly and cause vibrations while driving. Over time, this leads to premature wear and a rougher ride. Expert tip: you can possibly add tire rebalancing to your periodic tire rotation and possibly save money as well as add tire life!
5. Aggressive Driving Habits
Quick starts, hard braking, sharp turns, and high-speed driving can all put extra stress on your tires. Even frequent city driving with lots of stop-and-go traffic can accelerate tire wear compared to smoother, highway driving. Expert tip: defensive driving can keep you safe and extend the life of your tires.
6. Neglecting Tire Rotations
Front and rear tires wear differently depending on your drivetrain. Regularly rotating your tires (at least every other oil change) helps ensure they wear evenly and last longer. Expert tip: a great time for a brake inspection is when your tires come off the axle so a certified technician can inspect inner brake pad wear.
How Tire Wear Hurts Your Fuel Economy
Worn or improperly inflated tires increase rolling resistance, the amount of energy it takes to keep your vehicle moving. The more resistance, the harder your engine and transmission must work, and the more fuel it burns. Studies show that underinflated or misaligned tires can reduce fuel efficiency, significantly increasing your fuel bill!
That might not sound like much, but over time it adds up in gasoline and more frequent tire replacement. You’ll be stopping at the pump more often, spending more money, and creating more emissions, all because of worn-out tires.
Final Thoughts
Premature tire wear isn’t just a tire problem, it’s often a sign of deeper issues like suspension trouble, poor alignment, or neglected maintenance. Taking the time to inspect your tires, maintain proper pressure, and stay on top of alignments and rotations can save you hundreds in tire costs and gas bills. Important to note, your tires are the only thing connect you and your passengers moving at high speeds to the ground – good idea to keep them in good condition!
If your tires are wearing faster than expected, don’t wait, get them checked out and keep your car running safer and more efficiently. At Arvada Square Auto, we are your local tire shop and your neighborhood mechanics. We are Arvada’s best auto repair garage across 40+ years!