Why do my tires look uneven or worn after installation?

Noticing uneven or worn looking tires after installation can be concerning, but there are several common reasons why this can happen. Here is a breakdown of the most likely causes and what you can do to address them.

The tires may have flat spots from storage or shipping

New tires can sometimes develop temporary flat spots from sitting in one position during storage or shipping. Here is what to know:

• Flat spots are most noticeable when the tires are cold and typically smooth out after a few miles of driving as the tires warm up and the rubber becomes more pliable
• If flat spots persist after driving for a while, visit a reputable wheel and tire shop to have the tires inspected
• Storing tires improperly, such as stacking mounted tires flat for extended periods, can contribute to flat spotting

Uneven tire pressure

Uneven tire pressure is one of the most common causes of tires that look or wear unevenly. Here is what to check:

• Make sure all four tires are inflated to the same PSI as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer
• Over inflated tires tend to wear more in the center of the tread, while under inflated tires tend to wear more on the outer edges
• Always check and adjust tire pressure after installing new wheels and tires and check it regularly going forward

Wheel alignment issues

Incorrect wheel alignment is one of the most common causes of uneven tire wear over time. Here is what to know:

• If your vehicle's alignment is off, your tires will not make even contact with the road surface, leading to uneven wear on one side of the tire or across the tread
• Installing new wheels with a different offset or size than your factory setup can affect your alignment settings
• It is always recommended to have your alignment checked after installing new wheels and tires, especially if you changed the offset or tire size
• A local alignment shop can quickly diagnose and correct any alignment issues

Wheel and tire balance

Out of balance wheels and tires can cause uneven wear patterns over time. Here is what to know:

• If your wheels and tires are not properly balanced, certain areas of the tire will make more contact with the road than others, leading to uneven wear
• If you ordered a wheel and tire package, your tires arrived already mounted and balanced, but balance can sometimes shift during shipping and transit
• Have your wheels and tires rebalanced at a reputable wheel and tire shop if you suspect balance may be an issue

Suspension wear or damage

Worn or damaged suspension components can also cause uneven tire wear. Here is what to consider:

• Worn ball joints, tie rods, shocks, or struts can affect how evenly your tires make contact with the road
• If uneven wear persists after checking alignment, balance, and tire pressure, have a trusted mechanic inspect your suspension components
• Aftermarket wheels with a different offset than your factory setup can put additional stress on steering and suspension components over time

Tires not rotated regularly

Regular tire rotation is important to ensure even wear across all four tires. Here is what to know:

• Tires should generally be rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles depending on your vehicle and driving habits
• Front tires typically wear faster than rear tires on front wheel drive vehicles due to the added stress of steering and acceleration
• Keep in mind that if you are running a staggered setup with different size front and rear tires, traditional front to back rotation is not possible

What if the wear looks like a defect?

If your tires show signs of irregular wear that does not seem related to any of the above causes, such as sidewall bulging, tread separation, or significant wear on a brand new tire, it may be a manufacturer defect. Here is what to do:

• Do not continue driving on a tire you believe may be defective
• Contact us right away with your order number, a photo of the DOT number on the sidewall, and photos of the tread and the affected area
• Our team will work with you to determine whether a warranty claim is appropriate and get the issue resolved as quickly as possible

Still not sure what is causing the issue?

Contact us with your order number and photos of the concern and our team will be happy to help diagnose the issue and point you in the right direction!