Can bad struts cause uneven tire wear? A lot of drivers do not give much thought to struts and even shocks until they start to wear out.
However, every car owner needs to know what to look for when you’ve bad struts. When your struts wear out, your car starts to bounce which compromises your ability to control it.
Not only that. It affects the overall comfort of your ride. In addition, bad struts can increase wear and tear or further damage to other suspension components.
So, can bad struts cause uneven tire wear?
Keep reading!
Also Read: Can Bad Shocks Cause Uneven Tire Wear? [Plus 6 Key SYMPTOMS]
Can Bad Struts Cause Uneven Tire Wear?
Struts help ensure consistent tire-to-road contact. They also provide the damping force necessary to control tire movement. This is essential for optimal performance.
When the struts are worn out, your car will start bouncing causing the tires not to have contact with the road. This bouncing causes scalloping or cupping of the tires.
If you have bad struts and worn shocks, they will contribute to uneven tire wear. Not only are you prone to a sudden flat but you also risk hydroplaning which reduces the driver’s ability to brake or steer.
Symptoms of Bad Struts
Driving with bad struts and worn shocks can result in a bad ride. Also, it increases your stopping distance, especially on slippery and wet roads.
Here are the symptoms of bad struts.
- Tires show signs of cupping or accelerated wear
- Your car starts to bounce excessively
- Your car may sway when making turns
- Increased wear on other suspension parts
- Instability at high speeds
- During hard braking, the front end drives more
- Rear end of your car squats during acceleration
- Leaking fluid on the exterior of struts
If you notice the symptoms above, make an appointment with your service provider. The team will carry out a thorough inspection and make proper repairs.
Can Bad Struts Cause Inner Tire Wear?
Yes, bad struts and worn shocks can cause inner tire wear. This is because bad struts allow your car to bounce too much, especially on rough roads. Not only does this result in our wear of your tires. But it also results in an inner wear pattern on the tread.
If the problem is not addressed quickly, severe damage can occur to other suspension components. This will affect the braking of your car. Also, the problem can result in a shaky steering wheel, especially when driving on rocky terrains or through potholes and speed bumps.
Finding the root cause of the problem is necessary. So, take your car to a local repair shop where they’ll execute the following:
- Align the wheels
- Replace or repair damaged suspension components
- Properly inflate the tires
- Balance your wheels
By taking the steps above, they’ll fix the problem.
Do Bad Struts Cause Tire Wear?
Your car’s suspension system is critical for controlling the ride comfort and your vehicle.
However, when driving your car on highways and rough terrains, the suspension system often takes a beating. Some parts like the struts ensure safe driving and unless you have an accident, you’ll never notice they’re worn out.
If your car has bad struts, certain patterns will begin to manifest themselves. They include cupping and excessive inside or outside tire wear. If this starts happening, the tires will not last their full expected lifetime. Not only will this cost you more money. But it will make your tires less safe.
What Damage Can Bad Struts Cause?
When bad struts wear, they allow for more suspension movement. As a result, other suspension components suffer the same effect.
Besides damage to the suspension components, bad struts can cause inner and outerwear on your tires. It all starts with your car bouncing causing a reduction in uniform road contact. This bouncing also causes scalping and cupping of the tires.
Conclusion
Struts have a direct effect on your safety and the performance of your car. With so many cars and people on the road around you, driving your car with bad struts puts everyone at risk.
To avoid your car breaking down or causing accidents, keep your car’s maintenance up to date. By doing so, experts can inspect your car and find out if important components such as tires and struts need repairs or replacement.
It’s important to have all the components in your car working perfectly for you to handle and control your car on the road. If you experience poor braking, rough handling, and excessive bouncing, have your car inspected by a mechanic.
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I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.