If your tyres show uneven wear, it means something is wrong with the alignment, suspension, tyre pressure, or balance. Uneven wear reduces tyre life, affects handling, and increases the risk of blowouts. Identifying and fixing the root cause early helps restore safe driving and prevents premature tyre replacement.

What does uneven tyre wear mean?

Tyres should wear evenly across the tread. When they don’t, it indicates that the tyres are not making proper contact with the road due to mechanical or pressure-related issues.

Common causes of uneven tyre wear

• Incorrect wheel alignment
• Improper tyre pressure (too high or too low)
• Worn suspension components (shocks, struts, bushes)
• Unbalanced wheels
• Worn steering components such as tie rods or ball joints
• Driving style (hard cornering, frequent braking)

Why do you need to fix this problem quickly?

Uneven tyre wear reduces grip, increases stopping distances, and can cause vibrations or pulling while driving. It also means you’ll need to replace tyres more often, increasing costs unnecessarily.

How do you know when to get it checked?

You should book an inspection if:

• You notice one tyre wearing faster than the others
• Tyres are bald on the inside or outside edges
• The steering feels off-centre or the car pulls to one side
• You feel vibrations through the steering wheel
• Your tyres are noisy at speed

What happens during an assessment?

A mechanic will:

1. Inspect tyre tread depth and wear patterns
2. Check and adjust tyre pressures
3. Inspect suspension and steering components for wear
4. Perform a wheel alignment if required
5. Balance wheels if vibration is detected

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs depend on the cause. A wheel alignment typically costs $100–$150. Suspension or steering repairs can range from $300–$1,200+. Tyre replacement may cost $120–$250 per tyre if wear is too severe.

Is it unsafe to drive with uneven tyre wear?

Yes. Uneven tyres reduce stability, especially in wet conditions, and increase the chance of blowouts. The issue should be inspected and corrected promptly to restore safe handling and extend tyre life.