Tires & wheels

Tire has cupped or scalloped wear

Cupping looks like scooped-out dips around the tread and usually means the tire isn't staying in constant, even contact with the road, often from worn shocks or an imbalance.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1–3 hours depending on cause
Pro cost
$100–$500

Symptoms

  • Wavy, scalloped dips around the tire's circumference
  • Noticeable vibration or noise that gets worse with speed
  • Rougher ride than before
  • Wear feels uneven when you run a hand across the tread

Likely causes

  • CommonWorn shocks or strutsShocks control tire bounce; when they wear out, the tire hops slightly and wears unevenly.
  • CommonWheel out of balanceAn unbalanced wheel bounces at speed, creating cupped wear over time.
  • PossibleWorn wheel bearingPlay in the bearing lets the tire wobble slightly against the road.
  • PossibleBad alignment or worn bushingsLoose or misaligned suspension parts let the tire hop instead of tracking smoothly.

What to do

  1. Run your hand across the tread front to back to feel for a wavy pattern.
  2. Note when the vibration or noise happens: constant, only at certain speeds, or over bumps.
  3. Have the tires balanced first since it's the cheapest thing to rule out.
  4. Have the shocks or struts inspected for leaking fluid or bouncing test failure.
  5. Ask about wheel bearing play and suspension bushing wear if balancing doesn't solve it.
  6. Replace or repair whichever component is confirmed worn, then rotate or replace tires as needed.

Tools and parts

Replacement shocks or strutsSearch: “shocks or struts for [your car model]”
Wheel balancing weightsSearch: “wheel balancing service”

When to call a pro

A suspension or alignment shop should diagnose the root cause; replacing tires without fixing the underlying issue just wears the new ones the same way.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.