The Motorist Guide to common tyre problems - spot them and solve them

Struggling with tyre-wear issues? Learn how to identify the problem, determine the possible cause and decide on the best solution. 

Your tyre are your car’s foundation. They take you everywhere - from your daily commutes to epic road trips. But over time, even the best tyres might develop issues that impact safety, fuel efficiency and overall performance. 

Knowing what’s wrong with your tyres and how to fix the problem could potentially save you from a bigger headache.  

Let’s dive into the most common tyres problems, what they look like, and how you can solve them to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently on its tyres. 

1. Uneven Crossed Wear

What it looks like:
The tyre shows diagonal wear patterns, often forming a crisscross pattern on the tread.

The cause/s: 
1a. Misaligned wheels.
1b. Failing suspension components.
1c. Uneven weight distribution.

The solution:
Get your wheels aligned regularly and the suspension system inspected. Misalignment not only damages your tyres but also reduces fuel efficiency, meaning you’ll spend more on petrol for nothing.

2. Side Wear

What it looks like:
The edges of the tyre tread are worn, but the centre remains intact.

The cause:
Underinflation of the tyre is usually the main culprit. Low/inadequate tyre pressure forces the tyre's edges to bear the weight of the vehicle, resulting in excessive wear.

The solution:
Check your tyres pressure monthly and inflate your tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Proper inflation not only extends tyre life, but also enhances fuel economy.

3. Middle Wear

What it looks like:
The centre of the tread is smooth and worn down, but the edges appear to be newer and untouched.

The cause:
Overinflation of the tyre creates a bulge, causing the centre area to carry most or all of the load.

The solution:
Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge and stick to the PSI recommendation in your car manual. Proper inflation ensures even tyre-wear and maximises safety.

4. Uneven Spot Wear

What it looks like:
Scattered patches of excessive wear appear randomly on the tyre surface.

The cause/s:
4a. Unbalanced tyres.
4b. Faulty brakes.
4c. Damaged suspension components.

The solution:
Have your tyres balanced and your suspension checked by a professional. Ignoring this issue could lead to uneven braking and reduced tyre life.

5. One-Sided Wear

What it looks like:
One side of the tyre is significantly more worn than the other.

The cause:
Misalignment or suspension problems, such as worn control arms or ball joints.

The solution: 
Get your wheels aligned and have your suspension components inspected regularly. Remember, one-sided wear impacts handling and safety, especially on winding roads.

6. Bald Tires

What it looks like:
The tread is completely worn out, leaving the tyre smooth.

The cause:
The tyre has reached the end of its lifespan or is overused without proper maintenance.

The solution: 
Replace bald tyres immediately. Driving on bald tyres is a serious safety risk, especially during the rainy season, as they lose grip on wet roads.

Why tyre maintenance is crucial
Failing to maintain your tyres doesn’t just increase the risk of accidents - it also impacts your wallet. Poorly-maintained tyres increase rolling resistance, meaning you’ll burn more fuel. This adds up on your gasoline bills. Inconsistent tyre wear compromises handling, braking, and overall driving safety, especially during heavy rainfall.

Pro tips for extending tyre life
1. Rotate your tyres every 10,000 kilometres to ensure even wear.
2. Check your tyre pressure monthly.
3. Keep an eye on tread depth - replace tyres with less than 1.6mm of tread.
4. Avoid overloading your vehicle - it puts unnecessary strain on your tyres.

Read More: The Motorist Guide to aquaplaning - what it is and how the driver should handle it

Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage LTA and vehicle matters.

Did you know we have a Motorist Telegram Channel? Created exclusively for drivers and car owners in Singapore, you can get instant info about our latest promotions, articles, tips & hacks, or simply chat with the Motorist Team and fellow drivers.