Tires, while often overlooked and taken for granted, are in fact one of the most important components of your vehicle. That said, we’re looking into the common causes of premature tire wear so you can better take care of your car’s round rubber trotters.

 

1. Incorrect wheel alignment

One of the most common causes of premature tire wear is incorrect wheel alignment. When your wheels are misaligned, each of the individual wheels gets subjected to different levels of stress. This causes the tires to wear unevenly and prematurely.

That said, it’s best to have your wheel alignment checked from time to time, especially when you notice slight changes in how difficult your vehicle steers when driving.

2. Improper inflation pressure

Another cause of premature tire wear is improper inflation pressure. Tires that are not properly inflated tend to wear out faster than those that are.

There's a reason why tires have recommended inflation pressure. Following the specified inflation pressure allows the tire to function as intended and carry out its task according to its design, to which the manufacturers take the time to consider several factors such as ride comfort, handling, fuel economy, and of course, lifespan.

Should the tire’s inflation pressure be too high or too low, different parts of the tire’s tread will wear out faster than others. This will affect the overall integrity of the tire and cause premature tire wear.

3. Driving habits

Your driving habits can also contribute to premature tire wear. Things like peeling out when accelerating (burnouts), being a little too heavy on the brakes, and pushing your car a little too hard in tight corners can be instrumental in early tire wear.

We’re not saying you can’t have fun when driving. It’s just that these practices can play a part in your tire’s lifespan.

Photos from Paulo Papa, ZigWheels, and Ruben Manahan IV

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