Top Causes of Uneven Tire Wear on Heavy-Duty Trucks

Top Causes of Uneven Tire Wear on Heavy-Duty Trucks

Let's break down the leading culprits behind uneven tire wear so you can keep your fleet running straight and smooth.

Incorrect Tire Pressure

Incorrect tire pressure is one of the most common and preventable causes of uneven wear. Overinflated tires tend to wear more in the center, while underinflated tires wear along the edges. On heavy-duty trucks, this issue is magnified due to the sheer load weight. Mismanaged pressure doesn’t just wear tires out faster—it also reduces their grip and causes irregular heat build-up, which can lead to blowouts under load.

Tire pressure should be monitored using digital pressure gauges and verified during every preventive maintenance check. Keep in mind that weather plays a role too—cold air contracts, reducing pressure, while heat expands it.

Wheel Misalignment

When wheels aren't aligned properly, your tires are dragged across the pavement at the wrong angles. This is especially problematic for commercial trucks that regularly drive long distances or navigate uneven roadways.

Misalignment typically results from hitting potholes, curbs, or just general wear and tear on the suspension system. Tell-tale signs include:

• Steering pull
• Vibrations
• Irregular tread patterns like feathering or cupping

Correcting misalignment doesn’t just preserve tire life—it improves handling and fuel economy. Routine alignments are a must where coastal roads can shift from smooth to rugged in a heartbeat.

Worn Suspension Components

Suspension systems—leaf springs, air ride systems, shock absorbers, bushings—do more than cushion bumps. They keep your wheels planted and your tires wearing evenly.

When these parts wear out, the truck's ride height and weight distribution change, altering tire-to-road contact. This causes scalloped wear and uneven tread across the axle set.

Heavy-duty trucks, especially those operating under high payload stress or traveling on uneven terrain, are at risk of worn suspension systems much sooner than you’d expect. A visual inspection might not cut it—technicians should perform bounce tests, check for fluid leaks, and inspect bushings for play.

Faulty Wheel Bearings or Hub Assemblies

Worn or damaged wheel bearings don’t just make noise—they allow excessive wheel movement, which translates directly to irregular tire wear. Bearings play a vital role in supporting the truck’s weight and ensuring stable wheel rotation.

On multi-axle fleet trucks, the stress on bearings is enormous. If a bearing starts to fail, it will usually cause uneven wear on one side of the tire—usually accompanied by a grinding noise or overheating at the hub.

These components should be lubricated and inspected during regular fleet maintenance intervals. Don’t wait until a wheel feels loose—by then, you’re already looking at tire replacement and a possible road service call.

Out-of-Balance Tires

If your tires are out of balance, they’ll vibrate at high speeds, leading to cupping or scalloping on the tread. While this might seem minor at first, it rapidly escalates tire wear and affects steering components and fuel economy.

On semi-trucks and other Class 8 rigs, even a few ounces of imbalance in a large tire can cause thousands of dollars in downstream damage. Balancing weights can fall off over time, especially in high-vibration environments like construction or off-road hauling.

Have your tires dynamically balanced during every install or rotation. And if you notice unusual vibration patterns, have the wheel assembly inspected promptly.

Improper Tire Rotation

Tire rotation isn’t just for passenger cars. For trucks with duals or steer axles, failing to rotate tires means the same ones bear the heaviest loads, creating an imbalance in wear patterns.

Steer tires often wear faster on the outside shoulders due to turning forces, while drive tires may suffer center or heel-toe wear from torque distribution. Establish a consistent tire rotation schedule—based on mileage or operating hours—and ensure technicians are rotating tires according to the configuration (6x4, 6x2, etc.).

Overloaded or Uneven Loads

Weight distribution plays a critical role in tire longevity. When a truck is overloaded or improperly balanced, certain tires carry more weight than others, accelerating their wear. This is particularly common in flatbed and dump applications where uneven loads are common. While air suspension systems help mitigate load shifts, they’re not foolproof.

Use on-board scales, load-distribution calculations, and visual inspection to verify axle weights. Keep an eye on tire temperature using infrared guns—hot spots often indicate overloading.

Subpar Road Conditions

Let’s face it—rural and industrial roads aren’t always tire-friendly. Driving over potholes, uneven shoulders, or gravel routes causes constant jarring, which adds stress to suspension, alignment, and tires.

Erosion, construction zones, and sudden elevation changes can lead to both mechanical wear and inconsistent tire contact, especially for long-haul trucks navigating mixed environments. While you can’t repave the road, you can ensure your equipment is built to withstand it.

The key defences for this include:

• Reinforced tires
• Heavy-duty shocks
• Routine checks

Substandard Tire Quality or Mix-Matching

Tires are not all created equal. Running mismatched tires—different tread depths, brands, or ratings—on the same axle can lead to uneven wear. The differences in rubber compounds and rolling resistance throw off the balance and alignment.

This is a frequent issue during rushed roadside replacements or budget constraints. But in the long run, saving a few bucks upfront leads to faster replacements and performance issues. Always follow OEM specs when replacing tires and match tread patterns and depths on duals or tandem axles.

Need Tire Services?

Are you looking for expert tire services in Beaufort, SC? If you're noticing irregular wear on your truck tires or want a second opinion on your current maintenance routine, schedule a professional inspection with Carolina Truck Repair today. Catching the problem early could save you thousands—and keep your wheels rolling true.