Improper tire mounting can have a significant impact on tire wear and performance. Here are some common mounting mistakes that can cause irregular tire wear:
- Incorrect tire size: Mounting tires that are too big or too small can cause uneven wear and damage to the tire.
- Improper wheel alignment: Incorrect wheel alignment can cause uneven tire wear, especially on the edges of the tire. This can be caused by worn suspension parts, or improperly adjusted camber, caster, or toe angles.
- Overinflation or underinflation: Improper tire inflation can cause uneven tire wear, including excessive wear in the center or on the edges of the tire.
- Incorrect balancing: If tires are not properly balanced, it can cause uneven wear and vibrations that can damage the tire.
- Damaged rims: Bent or damaged rims can cause irregular tire wear, as well as cause the tire to lose air pressure.
- Using mismatched tires: Using tires with different tread patterns, sizes, or wear can cause uneven wear and damage to the tire.
- Using damaged tires: Mounting damaged tires, such as those with punctures, cuts, or bulges, can cause the tire to fail and lead to dangerous driving conditions.
- Reusing old valve stems: If the valve stem is old and worn, it may not seal properly, causing the tire to lose air. This can cause the tire to wear unevenly.
- Mounting with incorrect torque: If the lug nuts are not tightened to the correct torque, it can cause the wheel to wobble, which can cause the tire to wear unevenly.
To avoid these mounting mistakes and ensure proper tire wear and performance, it is important to have tires mounted by a qualified professional and to regularly check tire pressure and alignment.
