Why Are My Tires Going Bald on the Inside? Your Suffolk County Mechanic Explains

Wear on the inside of a tire suggests that the wheel is tilted or angled incorrectly.  The most common underlying problems include:

• Negative Camber: Although some negative camber (wheels angling inwards at the top) is preferable in certain conditions to improve grip or even the aesthetic of a vehicle, too much causes uneven and costly tire wear. 
• Toe Misalignment: If the wheels point slightly in or out, the tire will scrub the pavement sideways as it rolls. Known as scrubbing, this wears the edge faster than the rest of the tread.
• Worn Suspension Components: Components like ball joints, wheel bearings, control arm bushings, and tie rods can loosen over time, causing the alignment to shift and cause inner wear. Pothole impacts can also move the suspension, requiring realignment. In some cases, failing springs can change the wheel angle, resulting in uneven tire wear before they are replaced.
• Incorrect Lowering: Vehicles with modified ride height and incorrect camber settings often require a realignment to prevent uneven tire wear problems.

Tire replacement is possible, depending on how badly the tread is damaged. The team at Dee Pat’s Awsomotive provides some of the best-rated auto repair services on Long Island. We will  inspect your vehicle, repair any suspension issues, and then replace any severely damaged tires before performing a full digital wheel alignment service.

If the affected tires still have a tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch, they are compliant under New York State vehicle inspection standards.   You can continue to drive on them once the underlying issue is corrected.