Noticed your tyres looking more worn on one side than the other? Or maybe your steering feels slightly off when cruising down the motorway? You’re likely dealing with one of the most common and sneakiest car issues on the roads of the UK: uneven tyre wear. It doesn’t just impact your driving comfort; it’s also a serious safety risk that can lead to premature tyre replacement, poor handling, and even MOT failures.

In this blog, we’ll uncover the key causes of uneven tyre wear, explain what to watch out for, and show you how to fix it before it becomes a more expensive problem.

At RKH Service and Repair, we’re here to help keep your tyres and your car in peak condition. Whether it’s tracking, balancing, or complete suspension diagnostics, we offer trusted local service you can rely on.

Call us on 01233 877797 or email us at admin@rkhserviceandrepair.co.uk today.

At RKH Service and Repair, we keep you rolling safely. From puncture repairs to full tyre replacements, trust our experts to deliver grip, performance, and peace of mind on every journey.

What Is Uneven Tyre Wear?

Put simply, uneven tyre wear refers to a situation where your tyres do not wear down evenly across the tread. Instead of a uniform, flat wear pattern, you might notice tyre wear on the inside edge, the outside edge, or even in patches. This irregular wear compromises your grip on the road and can increase stopping distances.

What Can Cause Excessive Or Uneven Tyre Wear?

There are several causes of uneven tyre wear, and each one may show up differently on your tyres. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Incorrect Wheel Alignment

This is one of the most common reasons tyres wear unevenly. If your wheels are misaligned, they don’t point in the same direction, which causes the tyres to drag or scrub along the road.

Symptoms may include:

  • The car is pulling to one side
  • Tyre feathering causes (tread feels rough or saw-toothed)
  • Tyre wear on the outside edge or the inside

Wheel alignment is also commonly referred to as “tracking” in the UK. If your tracking is off, your tyres will not wear evenly.

2. Worn Suspension Components

Over time, your car’s suspension system—springs, struts, and control arms—can wear out. This leads to a loss of stability, affecting how your tyres contact the road.

Look out for:

  • A bouncy or unstable ride
  • Uneven tyre wear and suspension issues
  • Excessive wear on one wheel compared to the others

3. Incorrect Tyre Pressure

Tyres that are underinflated or overinflated wear unevenly. Low pressure causes wear on the edges, while too much pressure results in more wear in the centre.

To avoid this:

  • Check your tyre pressure monthly
  • Adjust for temperature changes
  • Follow the manufacturer’s pressure recommendations

4. Improper Tyre Rotation Pattern

Failing to rotate your tyres means some tyres bear more weight or work harder than others. Over time, this leads to uneven wear patterns.

A regular tyre rotation pattern helps:

  • Distribute wear more evenly
  • Extend the lifespan of your tyres
  • Improve handling and traction

5. Wheel Balancing Issues

Unbalanced wheels can cause vibrations at certain speeds and lead to uneven tyre wear. These vibrations are not just uncomfortable—they also affect your suspension and tyre health.

Common signs include:

  • Uneven tyre wear noise at higher speeds
  • Vibration through the steering wheel or seat
  • Increased tread wear in specific areas

Why Do Tyres Wear Unevenly On The Inside Or Outside?

1. Tyre Wear On Inside Edge

Often caused by:

  • Negative camber (top of tyre tilts inward)
  • Worn suspension bushings or ball joints
  • Lowered vehicles without proper realignment

2. Tyre Wear On Outside Edge

Usually a result of:

  • Positive camber (top of tyre tilts outward)
  • Aggressive cornering
  • Underinflation or poor alignment

Both are early signs of wheel alignment issues or suspension faults and should be addressed immediately to avoid tyre failure.

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How To Fix Uneven Tyre Wear

Thankfully, most causes of uneven tyre wear can be fixed with routine maintenance and inspection. Here’s what you should do:

1. Get A Professional Wheel Alignment

Have your wheel alignment checked every 6,000–8,000 miles or sooner if you hit a pothole or kerb. Proper alignment corrects the angles of your tyres, preventing uneven wear.

2. Inspect Suspension Components

Book a check-up if you notice handling issues or tyre wear patterns that are linked to uneven tyre wear or suspension problems. Worn or damaged parts need to be replaced to restore proper function.

3. Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure

Use a reliable gauge to keep your tyres at the correct pressure. Most vehicles list the recommended pressures on a sticker inside the driver’s door.

4. Follow A Tyre Rotation Schedule

Rotating your tyres every 5,000–8,000 miles helps balance wear and extend tyre life. Most garages include this as part of regular servicing.

5. Check Wheel Balancing

If you experience high-speed vibrations or unusual noises, ask your mechanic to check the balance. Unbalanced wheels often cause rapid, irregular wear patterns.

Final Thoughts

Uneven tyre wear might not grab your attention right away, but left unchecked, it can put your safety, fuel economy, and wallet at risk. From misalignment and worn suspension components to incorrect tyre pressure, understanding the root cause is key to solving the issue early.

The good news? Most problems can be fixed with routine maintenance and proper care.

If your tyres are showing odd wear patterns or your car isn’t driving as smoothly as it should, don’t ignore the warning signs. Let the experts step in.

RKH Service and Repair offers precision wheel alignment, suspension checks, and tyre inspections to get you safely back on the road.

Book your appointment today for professional, no-nonsense service and peace of mind every time you drive.