Worn tires are easy to spot when the wear is on the outside of the tire. However, tires can also wear from the inside, which is not only harder to spot early but can also be extremely risky. While it is possible to fix inner tire wear, the first question you need to ask is what is causing your tires to wear from the inside. Read this guide if your tires are wearing more on the front wheels.
Your tires can wear from the inside for several reasons, including incorrect camber angles, worn suspension components, and worn ball joints. No matter the cause of the inner tire wear, you need to take steps to address the issue or replace your tires altogether.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes of inner tire wear and how you can address these issues! If you find yourself with bald tires, make sure to check our guide on how long you can drive on bald tires.
Your camber angles may be incorrect
Your car’s camber angle is essentially the angle made by the wheels’ vertical axis and your car’s wheels. It is measured relative to the surface of the road.
If the camber angle is incorrect, the inside of your tire(s) will wear down much faster than the outside. Generally, the wrong camber angle is a negative camber, which happens when the bottom of your wheel sticks out farther onto the road than the top.
An incorrect camber causes inner tire wear because the entire weight of your vehicle rests on the inside of the tire. Having to bear this weight causes your tires to start to wear out.
If the cause of your inner tire wear is an incorrect camber angle, the solution is to fix the alignment. You must use a level to ensure you’re getting the angle correct.
The suspension components may be worn out
Your car’s suspension components—the struts and springs—ensure its factory ride height remains constant.
To learn more about your vehicle’s ride height, you can refer to this YouTube video:
If there is an alteration of the ride height, this will also affect the camber angles of your vehicle—and, as discussed above, this can result in inner tire wear. If the cause of your incorrect camber angles and, by extension, your inner tire wear is worn suspension components, you will need to replace the parts.
There is a chance the ball joints are worn out
The ball joints in your car function to ensure your tires roll on the road as precisely as possible. If they are worn, they won’t be able to grip onto the tires as well as they should, allowing your tire(s) to start to wear from the inside.
If your ball joints show signs of wear, your suspension will make odd noises, especially when you drive your car over obstacles like rocks and potholes. For this reason, worn ball joints are pretty hard to miss.
If you’re dealing with this issue, all you need to do is replace the ball joints with new ones.
FAQ
Can bad struts cause inner tire wear?
If the struts on your suspension are worn out, it can cause your car to bounce, not holding onto the road. This will cause extra stress for your tires, reducing their lifespan and potentially causing tire wear including inner tire wear.
How can you tell if you have a bad strut?
You’ll know you have a bad strut/worn-out suspension if your car dives forward when braking. If your car scrapes speed bumps when going over them or if your car feels bouncy compared to normal.
Can you fix inner tire wear?
You can take many steps to prevent/treat inner tire wear, such as keeping your tires properly inflated, ensuring your wheels are aligned correctly, and ensuring your suspension is in good condition.
How much does it cost to fix a camber angle?
The cost varies depending on your local mechanic. Although a camber angle job can cost anywhere between $100-$500 depending on your car’s make and the time it takes for the local mechanic to fix the problem.
Final thoughts
These are only some of the many reasons your tires may start wearing on the inside. If your tire is developing inner tire wear, it is essential to address the issue as soon as possible.
If you allow the inside of your tires to continue to wear away, you will ultimately have to replace the tires themselves—a far more expensive proposition than replacing smaller parts like ball joints.