Dealing with tire cupping can be quite frustrating. Cupped tires tend to be noisy and may cause your vehicle to vibrate at higher speeds. Here are the most common reasons for tire cupping:
EXTENDED DRIVING WITH UNBALANCED TIRES:
When tires are unbalanced, they experience uneven forces that lead to vibrations and bouncing. You might have noticed a vehicle with a front tire rapidly bouncing at high speeds; this is a sign of tire cupping. To resolve this, schedule a tire balance at your local repair shop. While balancing will improve your ride’s smoothness, the cupped tires will still need to be replaced.
EXTENDED DRIVING WITH A MISALIGNED VEHICLE:
Driving for long periods with a misaligned vehicle can lead to tire cupping. Misalignment creates uneven stress and friction, resulting in a feathered wear pattern that can develop into cupping. Proper alignment angles (toe, camber, and caster) are essential for even tire wear. If you notice uneven wear, please reach out to your local alignment shop for a wheel alignment.
LACK OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE (TIRE ROTATION / TIRE PRESSURE):
Neglecting tire rotations or pressure checks can cause uneven wear, leading to cupping. We recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 miles. If you change your engine oil at that interval, consider rotating your tires at the same time. Our auto repair shop in Greenville, SC, offers free tire rotations and can check your tire pressures. We suggest checking your tire pressure monthly.
FAULTY SUSPENSION COMPONENTS:
Worn suspension components can also cause tire cupping. Parts such as shocks, struts, springs, ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings are crucial for even tire wear. When these components wear out, your vehicle struggles to absorb vertical forces, leading to bouncing and hopping, which contributes to tire cupping. It’s advisable to have your suspension system inspected by a qualified professional. Our auto repair shop is here to assist you, and worn components will need replacement.
Once tires have significant cupping, the damage is typically irreversible and replacing them is the best solution. Minor cupping may be manageable without immediate replacement.