UPDATE: Goodwill Car Donations is currently accepting vehicle donations. Call 866-233-8586 to schedule an unattended FREE pickup. To learn what actions we are taking to ensure you are protected when you donate a vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations, please click here.

5 Tell-Tale Signs That Your Tires Are Wearing Unevenly

Close up view of a car tire | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Mike B under Pexels License

How Can You Tell If Your Tires Are Wearing Unevenly? We Have the Answers Here!

Let’s face it, your tires are bound to wear out over time, especially if you’re driving your car every day. No matter how careful of a driver you are, or how regularly you have your vehicle serviced, your tires will eventually wear out.

However, uneven tire wear is a different story, and it’s something you should address as soon as you spot it. This means that the tread on at least one of your tires is wearing down faster than those of the others. It can happen for several reasons, but most often it’s due to improper tire inflation, misaligned wheels, or unbalanced tires.

If you notice that your tires are starting to show uneven wear, it’s important to have them checked by a professional as soon as possible. Uneven tire wear can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poorer handling, and shortened tire life. In extreme cases, it can even cause a blowout.

Signs That Your Tires Are Wearing Unevenly

Now, you probably have these two questions in mind: “How can I tell if my tires are wearing unevenly? What red flags should I be keeping an eye on?”

It makes perfect sense to know all the signs so you can get them fixed ASAP. To help you ensure that your car stays roadworthy and as safe as possible when you’re behind the wheel, Goodwill Car Donations has rounded up the top five common signs of uneven tire wear:

  1. Vibrations

If you feel unusual vibrations in your steering wheel while you’re driving, there’s a huge chance your tires are unbalanced. A half-ounce difference in the weight of the tire is enough to cause the shaking. The more uneven the tires become, the stronger the vibrations.

  1. Scalloped tires

The presence of scalloped dips on the surface of your tire’s tread indicates three possible issues: worn suspension, faulty shock absorbers, or irregular tires. The surest way to find out is by having your trusted mechanic diagnose your car.

  1. Worn inner edges (camber)

Wear on the inner edges of your tire suggests that there’s something wrong with the camber. A damaged camber usually stems from a problem related to the up-and-down motion your car weight exerts on the tires. Though not a major issue, it’s still a good idea to drive your vehicle to a repair facility.

  1. Poor fuel economy

Uneven tires tend to put more stress on the engine. That’s because the resistance from the imbalance forces it to work harder so it can keep the car in motion. In turn, this causes the engine to require more fuel to sustain its operation under such circumstances.

  1. Steering difficulty

If you’re having trouble steering your wheel, such as getting a delayed response time, then your tires’ alignment most likely has something to do with it. We strongly recommend you take your car to the auto shop at the soonest time possible. Driving with a bad steering wheel can put you in danger, so don’t risk it.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Tires

You can do three things to help prolong the life of your tires and prevent further uneven wear.

First, see to it that you rotate your tires regularly. This will help ensure that all your tires will wear evenly over time.

Second, avoid driving on rough or potholed roads as much as possible, as this can cause your tires to wear down unevenly very quickly. If you must drive on these types of roads, take it slow and be extra careful.

Finally, check that your alignment and suspension are in proper working order. Issues related to these two systems are the most common causes of uneven tire wear, so they have to be in tip-top shape. If you’re not sure how to check or fix these things yourself, your best bet is to take your car to a mechanic or tire shop and have them take a look.

Turn Your Unwanted Car into a Source of Hope for Your Needy Neighbors

If you’re experiencing issues with your car other than having tires with uneven wear and if the cost of fixing those issues will be too much for you to bear, why not just buy a new car to replace it?

Don’t worry, you can still make good use of your unwanted automobile when you hand it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to improve the lives of the disadvantaged residents of your local community. These are the men and women living among you who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other disadvantages that serve as roadblocks in their pursuit of a productive and meaningful life.

Our team will have your vehicle fixed before selling it in one of the best auction houses in our network. The proceeds will go to the Goodwill organizations serving your area.

These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding that we give them to provide disadvantaged Americans all over the country with disability benefits, financial assistance, family support, vocational services, scholarships, skills training, job and livelihood opportunities, internship programs, and other support services.

Donating to Goodwill Car Donations means getting your unwanted vehicle picked up and towed away for free. It also means getting entitled to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Moreover, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of your community by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

Making a Goodwill car donation is super easy. It’s quick, convenient, and hassle-free. All you need to do is contact us. We’ll handle everything else.

We accept a wide range of vehicle types. Whether you’re donating a car, a motorbike, or even a rundown truck, we’ll be glad to receive it.

Your location should not be a problem either. We can collect your donation anywhere in the United States.

You can get more information about us, including our quick and easy donation process, by checking out our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may reach us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also send us a message here.

 

Be a Local Hero Today!

People join in a huddle | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by RDNE Stock project under Pexels License

You can do your part in building a better future for your community by simply making a vehicle donation. We will use your auto donation to transform the lives of your less fortunate neighbors. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

 

Last Updated: October 3rd, 2023