What Your Tyres Are Telling You About Your Car’s Health

Your tyres do more than just keep you on the road—they also reveal hidden problems with your car. If you're in the market for new tyres, it’s worth taking a closer look at your old ones first. Uneven wear patterns can indicate anything from improper inflation to suspension and alignment issues.

In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of tyre wear and what they say about your car.

How Long Should Your Tyres Last?

There’s no exact lifespan for tyres, as it depends on factors like brand, tread pattern, driving style, and road conditions. Generally, tyres can last anywhere between 10,000km and 50,000km.

However, even if they look fine, tyres should be replaced after 10 years, according to Bridgestone. The rubber degrades over time, affecting grip and safety.

What Different Tyre Wear Patterns Mean

If your tyres aren’t wearing evenly, your car might be trying to tell you something. Here’s what to look for:

1. Normal Wear ✅

✅ What it looks like: Even tread wear across the entire surface.✅ What it means: Your tyres are properly inflated, aligned, and in good condition.

👉 Solution: Keep up regular tyre maintenance, including pressure checks and rotations.

2. Worn on Both Inner & Outer Edges 🔴

⚠ What it looks like: The sides of the tyre are worn, but the centre tread is fine.⚠ What it means: Under-inflation—your tyres don’t have enough air pressure, causing them to sag and wear on the edges.

👉 Solution: Check and maintain your tyre pressures every two weeks to avoid excess wear and improve fuel efficiency.

3. Worn in the Centre But Not the Edges 🔴

⚠ What it looks like: The middle tread is worn down, but the edges are fine.⚠ What it means: Over-inflation—too much air pressure is causing the tyre to bulge, wearing down the centre faster.

👉 Solution: Regularly check your tyre pressure and follow your car manufacturer’s recommended PSI levels.

4. Worn on the Inner OR Outer Edge Only ⚠

⚠ What it looks like: One edge of the tyre (inner or outer) is significantly more worn than the other.⚠ What it means: Wheel misalignment—this could be due to hitting potholes, curbs, or general suspension wear.

👉 Solution: Get a wheel alignment from a tyre shop or mechanic ($100–$200).

5. Diagonal Tyre Wear ⚠

⚠ What it looks like: Uneven diagonal wear leading from the centre to the inner edge.⚠ What it means: Camber misalignment—this is common on cars with modified suspension or damaged suspension parts.

👉 Solution: A wheel alignment will diagnose if control arms or struts need replacement.

6. Patchy Tyre Wear & Vibrations 🔴

⚠ What it looks like: Random patches of excessive wear.⚠ What it means: This could indicate:✔ Unbalanced wheels✔ Worn ball joints✔ Bent wheels✔ Damaged wheel bearings

👉 Solution: If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel, get your suspension and wheels inspected ASAP.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Tyres in Check

Tyres are more than just rubber on the road—they can warn you about bigger mechanical problems before they become serious.

🚗 Check your tyre pressures every two weeks.🚗 Rotate your tyres regularly for even wear.🚗 Schedule wheel alignments if you notice uneven wear.

If your tyres are showing signs of uneven wear, don’t ignore them—it could save you money on repairs and keep you safer on the road!