Did you notice that there is something wrong with one of your car tires and after taking it to the mechanic, you learned that the problem is cupped tires?
Although rarely known, the cupped tire is a common problem that affects many car tires.
Cupped tires do not just indicate that the tire has a problem. It also indicates that your car has a bigger problem that is causing the issue – which we will discuss later in this article.
So, what exactly are cupped tires? what causes this problem? and can it be fixed? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about capped tires.
Now, without further ado, let’s get started.
Cupped tires- What Are They?
Cupped tires are known as choppy or scalloping tires when a vehicle tire tread moves from high to low in random spots.
So, what are cupped tires? Cupped tires refer to a condition in which the tire tread become worn down and develop a concave shape. This can lead to a number of problems such as a rough ride, increased road noise, and reduced traction and stability.
As mentioned earlier, cupped tires usually indicate that you have other problems with your vehicle that are affecting your tires.
This problem should therefore not be taken lightly because if ignored it will worsen causing other major problems that could compromise your safety.
Most drivers are usually not familiar with capped tires but it is a very common problem that occurs regularly. Many things can cause cupped tires, the main one being bad suspension.
If your vehicle is bouncing up and down frequently because of bad trusts or shocks then the tread in the area will wear out in certain areas faster than in other areas.
If your car tires experience changes in force against the surface of the road, uneven wear patches will start to appear between 3 and 4 inches across the tire tread.
What Causes Cupped Tires?
Tire capping is usually a sign that your car has different suspension issues. If your car’s suspension is not in good condition, whether damaged, worn out, or misaligned, your car tires will struggle to maintain the required force against the road, resulting in tire capping.
Below are the main causes of tire capping:
a) Misaligned tires
When your car tires have too much misalignment in the wheel compared to the recommended alignment specifications, then your car’s motion will strain the tires, causing cupped tires.
b) Bent wheels or unbalanced tires
Another common cause of cupped tires is bent or unbalanced tires. If your tires are bent or out of balance, the centrifugal force involved in spinning the wheels will bounce the tire over and over leading to cupping.
c) Worn-out suspension and struts or shocks
Your car’s suspension works together with the shocks to absorb imperfections on the road such as pumps by controlling how the wheel reacts. If the suspension or shocks are won out, your car tires will bounce more than usual and this may cause cupping.
Is it Safe to Drive on Cupped Tires?
No, it is not safe to drive with cupped tires. In fact, the greatest mistake that you can ever make is driving with cupped tires knowingly. Because of their irregular wear patterns, some parts of the tire will not touch the road when your car is in motion.
This will result in higher vibration levels and road noise. It will also ruin your tire’s traction thus compromising your safety and other motorists. Having less traction also means less ability to turn and stop.
Can Cupped Tires be Fixed?
YES, tire cupping can be fixed but it needs to be done by an experienced mechanic.
This repair process may look simple but it is complex and that is why it should be done by an experienced mechanic.
However, it is important to note that cupped tires can only be fixed if the problem is not severe.
The first phase of fixing tire cupping is identifying the root cause of the problem.
The mechanic will use several techniques to know what caused cupped tires. Once the problem is identified and fixed, the mechanic will fix tire cupping either by tire shaving, tire rotation, alignment, or balance.
If the problem is severe enough to be fixed, then tire replacement will be done.
How to fix cupped tires
Before cupped tires are fixed, a proper diagnosis will be done to determine the root cause of the problem. Once the cause is known, the cupped tire will be fixed using any of the following methods.
Below are some steps you can take to fix cupped tires:
1) Tire rotation
Tire rotation will help the existing uneven wear to smoothen out as well as prevent uneven patterns in the future.
2) Balancing
This repair technique will ensure that there is proper weight distribution on the tires. Balancing the tires will not only fix the problem but will also ensure that they deliver optimum performance.
3) Tire shaving
This procedure is usually done if the tire cupping is severe. It involves mounting the affected tire to a specialized machine to smoothen out the cupping.
4) Checking Tire Pressure
Incorrect tire pressure can cause uneven wear – leading to cupping. Making sure that your tire pressure is correct and equal on all four tires will go a long way in preventing cupped tires.
5) Check the suspension
If the cupped tires are severe and can’t be fixed by the above steps; you’ll need to now check your suspension. Worn-out suspension components can lead to cupped tires. You should have a professional mechanic check and diagnose if any components need to be replaced.
Replacing the tires should be your last resort. This should be your last resort. If none of the above can help sort out the issue – you should proceed to replace the affected tire. Worn-out tires should be replaced for your own safety. Here are some of our recommended tire brands you should go for.
It’s important to always inspect your tires for any signs of uneven wear or damage and to address any issues as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Cupped tires are tires that are unevenly worn out, resulting in a wavy or cup-like appearance on the tread surface. This can lead to a rough ride and reduced traction.
Tire cupping is a serious condition that should be fixed as soon as it is discovered. Failure to fix it on time can compromise your car’s safety. You will have a problem stopping or turning the car.
Fortunately, tire capping can be fixed if it is not severe through various techniques such as tire rotation, balancing, and much more. If you realize that your car has cupped tires, you should take it to the mechanic immediately for a checkup and repair.
The mechanic will determine the root of the problem and then use the right techniques to fix it or recommend a replacement if the damage is beyond repair.
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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.