Tire Conditions
Causes and Corrections
Keep your N-Spec Tires performing their best by maintaining your Tire Pressure, performing regular maintenance like Tire Rotations and 4 Wheel Alignments, and by keeping critical steering and suspension components in good working order. If your tires exhibit any of the conditions listed below, service may be needed and tires will likely need to be replace.
Tire Wear in Center
Probable Cause
- Tires overinflated
- Use of oversized tires
Appropriate Correction
- Confirm cold inflation pressure matches vehicle's recommended pressures
- Confirm appropriate rim width and evaluate alternate tire pressures
Tread Wear On Both Shoulders
Probable Cause
- Tires under-inflated
- Vehicle overloaded
Appropriate Correction
- Confirm cold inflation pressure matches vehicle's recommended pressures
- Confirm load being carried is within vehicle specifications, reduce as necessary
Tire Wear On One Shoulder
Probable Cause
- Wheel alignment does match actual driving conditions
- Worn or damaged steering/suspension parts
Appropriate Correction
- Set alignment to most appropriate angles within vehicle's approved range
- Replace worn or bent parts and align
Tread Wear Heel and Toe Block Wear
Probable Cause
- Insufficient tire rotation for driving conditions
- Tires under-inflated, increasing drag and wear
Appropriate Correction
- Rotate tires more frequently following vehicle's approved pattern
- Confirm cold inflation pressure matches vehicle's recommended pressures
Tread Wear Irregular Cupping
Probable Cause
- Loose steering or suspension components
- Tires and wheels out of balance
Appropriate Correction
- Replace worn struts/shocks and other steering/suspension parts and align
- Correct balance of tires and wheels
Sidewall Circumferential Split/Star
Probable Cause
- Impact break from road hazard or pothole
- Tire sidewall pinched between road and wheel
Appropriate Correction
- Dismount tire and inspect for interior damage, replace tire if damage is found
- Determine if wheel is bent by inspecting for run-out, replace wheel if damage is found
Sidewall Bubble/Bulge
Probable Cause
- Tire sidewall pinched between road and wheel
- Components contaminated during manufacturing
Appropriate Correction
- Dismount tire and inspect, tire manufacturer's warranty applies if no interior damage is found
- Dismount tire and inspect, interior damage indicates road hazard
Sidewall Ozone/Weather Cracking
Probable Cause
- Frequent exposure to direct sun and hot temperatures
- Tires exposed to ozone or harsh chemicals
Appropriate Correction
- Evaluate service conditions and attempt to minimize exposure to sun and heat
- Attempt to keep tires away from sources of ozone and chemical exposure
Sidewall Abrasion of Both Sidewalls
Probable Cause
- Driven on when extremely low on air
- Driven when flat
Appropriate Correction
- Dismount and inspect tire for interior damage, replace tire if damage is found
