Inflation Related Tire Wear

Tire wear of an overinflated and an underinflated tire.

Overinflating a tire causes the center of the tread to wear. Less of the tire's tread is left to contact the road surface, causing poor performance and fuel mileage problems. Inflate tires according to the manufacturer's specifications on the door plate or the vehicle's manual.

Inflating the tire.

Do not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the sidewall. Most manufacturers recommend inflating the tire when it's cold. This is because the air pressure in a tire increases as the tire heats up. The center of an overinflated tire will wear faster than the shoulders, resulting in uneven tire wear. The sidewalls are firmer than intended, increasing road shock and the stresses on suspension components.