Tire wear

TONYSBABYGIRL

MEMBER
1998 HONDA ACCORD
2.4L
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
91,000 MILES

I have noticed for the past few months that I am going through front tires faster than normal. One thing I have noticed is that it is an uneven wear. One tire will be worn on the inside and the other tire on the outside. Is this do to me needing a wheel alignment?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

You are describing "camber" wear. Camber refers to the wheel tilted in or out on top. It is one of the biggest tire wear alignment angles, and it is responsible for pulling to one side when you let go of the steering wheel. The tire with accelerated wear on the inner edge is leaning in on top. That is negative camber. The tire with wear on the outer edge has too much positive camber.

Camber is not adjustable on many import cars, or it can be made adjustable. To find both wheels off this much, start by looking for bent suspension system parts. It is also possible someone replaced parts previously and didn't have an alignment performed.

What is the history of the car? Do you hear clunks or rattles on bumpy roads? Are the tires the same and proper size? Do you notice a pull in the direction the front wheels are leaning?