Illustrated below are common types of tire wear. The explanations given are the most common as well. Please be aware that tire wear can take on different forms than this guide provides.
An easy way to check for worn tread on your tires is the penny test. First, take a common penny. Next, holding the penny upside down insert into a groove in your tires tread. If the top of Lincoln's head is showing your tread is worn too low and should be replaced.
Hold penny...
Good tread
Worn tread
TIRE WEAR The red outlines denote the severity of the issue. If this matches your problem bring your vehicle into Gerald's for a free check.
Smooth wear on both edges: Low PSI
Chopped or feathered wear on one edge: Alignment wear (or lack of rotation if is outer edge wear)
Heavy cupped wear: Extreme lack of rotation and/or weak suspension
Open sidewall: Impact, age or possible defect
Rough feathered wear: Needs alignment
Bulge or bubble in tread: Separated tire
Middle wear: High PSI
Open tread: Impact, age or possible defect
Bulge or bubble in sidewall: Separated tire
Diagonal wear: Weak suspension and/or out of balance
