Tyre wear is a normal part of owning a vehicle, but excessive or uneven wear can be a sign of underlying issues. If you don’t pay attention to how your tyres are wearing down, you could be putting yourself at risk for reduced traction or even tyre failure.
If you are looking at used vans for sale in Bristol, it’s important that you understand the different types of tyre wear patterns and their causes as this can help you catch these problems early. Below are some common tyre wear patterns, what they look like and what causes them.
1. Tyres Wearing on the Outside (Shoulder Wear)
When the outer edges of the tyres wear down more quickly than the centre, it is usually caused by underinflation. Underinflated tyres do not keep their proper shape, causing more of the tyre’s outer edges to come into contact with the road surface. This leads to faster wear on the shoulders
The market for used vans for sale in Bristol often includes vehicles with vastly different levels of tyre wear, so it’s important to inspect them carefully.
2. Tyres Wearing on One Side (Camber Wear)
Tyres that wear more on one side, either the inner or outer edge, often mean a problem with wheel alignment. This type of wear is usually due to improper camber angle, where the wheels may be tilting too far inward or outward. This misalignment can result from hitting a pothole, bump or kerb, or from issues with the suspension system.
If you are a business searching for used vans for sale Bristol, it’s important to pay close attention to tyre wear, especially if the van will be used for heavy-duty tasks.
3. Tyres Wearing in the Centre (Centre Wear)
If the centre of the tyre tread is wearing out more quickly than the outer edges, it is likely caused by overinflation. When tyres are overinflated, the middle bulges outward, making more contact with the road, while the edges experience less contact. This causes the centre to wear out faster.
