Bulge: When there is separtion of the sidewall you will start
to see a bulge. This is a serious hazard and the tire should
be replaced.
Camber
Angle or Toe Angle:
This
type of wear is typically caused by bad alignment. This
can been seen in a visual inspection. Note that this type
of wear is sometimes overlooked when it is located on the
inside of the tire.
Chopped: This type of wear is a chopped pattern. It is usually
on the outer edge of the tire. It is typically caused by a
lack of tire rotation.
Chunk: This type of wear can be found on a visual inspection
where a chunk of the tire is missing.
Cup: This
type of wear can be found on a visual inspection where you
will notice a cup type depression. You will also be able to
locate this type of wear by running your hand across the tire.
Tear: This type of wear could be caused by many different conditions.
It can be found by a visual inspection. This type of tire
damage typically will expose the tire casing causing greater
vulnerability and should be replaced.
Feathered
Toe Angle: This type of tire wear is typically caused by misalignment
and can easily be felt by running your hand along the tread.
Worn
Outer Edges: This type of tire wear can be found on a visual inspection
where the outer edges of the tire are worn smoothly. This
is typically caused by low air pressure.
Worn
Center Tread: This type of tire wear can be found on a visual inspection
where the tire tread is worn gradually from the outer edge
to the inner tire tread. This is typically caused by over
inflated tires and/or improperly sized rims/tires.
Deep
Scallop: Deep
Scalloped wear is typically caused by diminishing struts/shocks.
Another cause may be tires that are not properly balanced
(typically the pattern is tighter).
Tread
Separation: This type of wear is when the tread itself starts to separate.
This typically cuases the vehicle to "wobble" at
lower speeds and a pull to one side. It has the potential
to become a hazard and should be replaced.
