Monitoring and checking your car tires will help you notice any potential problems beforehand. One thing you will need to check for is tire cupping.
Seeing this level of tire scalloping means you should act right then and there. What can cause tire cupping?
In this guide, we will discuss what tire cupping is, what causes it, and what are its effects and solutions.
What is Tire Cupping?
Tire cupping is uneven tread wear with worn sections between normal tread. Cupping happens because the tires bounce on the surface instead of maintaining a continual contact patch.
Cupping is just one of several kinds of irregular tire wear. Other types are commonly called diagonal wear, centerline wear, shoulder wear, choppy wear, heel-toe wear, feathering, or scalloping of the tires.
Causes of Tire Cupping
Tire cupping is typically caused by suspension issues or misaligned wheels, but unbalanced tires or damaged wheels could also be a reason. There could also be the possibility you have cheap tires that are causing uneven tread wear.
Here’s a more complete list of the causes of tire cupping.
#1. Worn Suspension Parts.
A car suspension is made up of multiple components that help tires stay glued to the road. The struts and shocks are needed in conjunction with the springs to absorb the imperfections in the road for control of the car during bumps and dips.
When the parts begin to wear out, the tires will not be well controlled, which will result in jumping on the road that leads to wear in some places, but not others.
Worn shock absorbers, struts, and bushings can be a reason for tire cupping and are the most common parts involvedne. Bad shocks are usually the cause of tire cupping because it allows the wheels to bounce uncontrollably after each bump.
#2. Misaligned Wheels.
Getting the wheels aligned when needed will help the tire tread wear evenly. An alignment off will allow different parts of the tire to wear quicker than the other parts.
The wheels can become misaligned by just hitting a bump or object. Misalignment can also occur over time if you drive on bumpy roads frequently. Also, after new tires or any suspension repairs you want to get an alignment.
If you make no adjustment after a new part, you will almost definitely create a misalignment of the wheels and wear down the tires again.
#3. Unbalanced Tires/Damaged Wheels.
Tires must be balanced when mounting. If the tires are not balanced, as they spin, an area of the tire can wear normally.
The same is true if the wheels/rims are damaged or bent. If the wheels have different weight across the circumference, the tires will bounce along the ground, instead of riding smoothly.
If you have a steering wheel that shakes while driving at higher speeds, then the front tires are most likely unbalanced; if the entire car shakes, but the steering wheel is not shaking, then it is very likely that the rear tires/wheels are unbalanced.
#4. Uninflated Tires.
Tire cupping is most commonly resulted from worn suspension parts, misaligned wheels, or unbalanced tires, but it can also be caused by under inflated tires.
If the tires are worn on both outside edges of the treads, there is a very good chance you have had under inflated tires for the last few weeks. Regular inflation of tires is inexpensive and easy, and should be done by every driver at least monthly.
#5. Low-Quality Tires.
There’s a reason some tires are inexpensive and others aren’t. It all has to do with quality of the tire. An inexpensive tire simply say is made from a less inexpensive material.
The steel belts may not be as good for tread supports and may not perform for is it as much area for your tires. In addition, if there is a balance issue with the wheel that’s out or a suspension issue, a less expensive tire will afford less protection from cupping.
Tire Cupping Problems
#1. Increased Road Noise.
You’ll notice more road noise when tires begin cupping. The noise may be rhythmic but it will sound different than regular road noise. It may sound like bad wheel bearings because it can resemble that sound.
You may be able to turn the radio up to drown out the noise but that does not fix the issue. It only masks what’s happening so you can continue to live in denial for a while longer.
#2. Shaking/Vibration.
If the front tires are cupped, you will probably notice some shaking in the steering wheel. It is also possible to feel some vibration through the seat.
At the very least, these vibrations are annoying. However, these vibrations are more likely to be more dangerous than simply annoying when you consider the difficulty of controlling the car. In fact, it can possibly be impossible to know if there is another problem with your vehicle while you are dealing with tire shaking.
#3. Difficult Handling.
The vibration and shaking make it difficult to control the car because the tires may lose traction on the pavement. You may notice the car pulls to one side.
When cupping occurs, you may need to make additional steering corrections just to keep your vehicle going straight. This unnecessary potentialing puts you, and others, in danger.
How to Prevent Tire Cupping?
#1. Check your Suspension.
Regular checks of suspension components will help ensure that all other parts of your car are functioning properly. The inspection will allow you to replace any worn parts before they cause poor tire treadwear.
Regardless of how agreeable new parts are to purchase, purchasing new tires is far less agreeable, as tires are much more expensive. You can avoid this costly experience by keeping other parts, especially suspension parts on your car, healthy.
#2. Balance/Rotate Tires.
Tire rotation and the balance is necessary if you want roadside fun and a longer tire tread life. It is anyway customary to get a balance performed every 5,000-8,000 miles, or at least at every oil change. Getting the tires rotated and balanced at the same time is recommended.
Considering the balance every other rotation as stated, you’ll also want to get your tires balanced each time you get new tires. If you let your tires, go out of balance, it could start to create bigger issues in the future as you get older, and they will involve higher repair costs, so be diligent with tire balance.
#3. Periodic Alignment.
Having your wheels aligned at least once a year will help maximize the life of your tread rubber. Alignments are not expensive, and could save you by not having to purchase wheels as often. Quite a few adjustments are needed to align your wheels properly.
A good tire shop will do an excellent job. You might want to consider a regular package that includes both alignment and rotation.
#4. Correct Tire Pressure.
You should check tire pressure at least once a month. You should check pressures more often when the weather gets colder.
Proper tire pressure allows tires to perform at peak potential, and last longer. The amount of pressure recommended can be found on the driver’s side door jamb.
#5. Invest in Good Tires.
When it’s time for tires, there are plenty of options. Going for the cheapest route might not be the best option.
Simply put, spending a little bit more for a better tire at least makes sense. We are not saying to get the most expensive if it is not warranted. Mid-priced tires should provide you all the protection needed for your regular trip.