Symptoms
- Front tires visibly more worn than rear, or vice versa
- Tread depth clearly different between axles
- Never rotated tires since they were installed
Likely causes
- CommonNo rotation history since installationUneven forces on each axle cause different wear rates if never equalized by rotation.
- PossibleAlignment issue compounding uneven wearA misalignment accelerates wear differences beyond what rotation alone would cause.
- PossibleUnderinflation on specific tiresChronic low pressure on certain tires wears the edges faster than the center.
What to do
- Measure tread depth on each tire using a tread depth gauge or the penny test (Lincoln's head visible means it's time to consider replacement).
- If the difference is minor (a millimeter or two), a rotation now will help even things out going forward.
- If the difference is significant, moving a worn front tire to the rear (or vice versa) can leave a mismatch that affects handling, especially in rain or snow.
- Consider replacing just the more worn pair if the difference is large, keeping the newer pair together on one axle as recommended by most tire shops.
- Have an alignment check done if wear looks angled or uneven across the tread width, not just front-to-back.
- Start a regular rotation schedule going forward to prevent this from recurring.
Tools and parts
- Tread depth gauge or a penny
Replacement tires matching your vehicle's sizeSearch: “tire size for [your car year make model]”
When to call a pro
If tread depth is at or below 2/32 of an inch on any tire, replace it before driving further, especially before wet or winter conditions.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.