How To Identify Uneven RAM Tire Wear

Your RAM truck is built for power and performance, but even the toughest vehicles can suffer from uneven tire wear. If you’ve noticed your truck pulling to one side, vibrations at high speeds, or tires that look more worn in certain areas, you might have a problem. Ignoring it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, poor handling, and expensive repairs down the road. If you're experiencing these issues, you can find professional tire services here or follow this guide to identify and address uneven tire wear yourself.

Common Types of Uneven Tire Wear

Tire wear isn’t always easy to spot, but knowing what to look for can help you catch problems early. Here are the most common patterns of uneven wear and what they mean:

1. Inner or Outer Edge Wear (Camber Wear)

• If one side of the tire tread (inner or outer) is wearing down faster than the rest, your truck may have an alignment issue.
• This type of wear is usually caused by excessive negative or positive camber, meaning your wheels are tilted too far inward or outward.
• Misaligned suspension components or worn ball joints can contribute to this issue.

2. Center Tread Wear

• If the center of your tires is wearing out faster than the edges, your tires are likely overinflated.
• Too much air pressure causes the tire to ride on the middle section, reducing overall grip and shortening tire lifespan.

3. Edge Tread Wear (Underinflation)

• If both edges of the tire are wearing faster than the center, the tire pressure is too low.
• Underinflation causes the tire to flatten out, putting more stress on the outer edges and leading to premature wear.
• Driving with low tire pressure also decreases fuel efficiency and makes handling sluggish.

4. Cupping or Scalloping Wear

• If your tires have a wavy or cupped pattern, this is a sign of suspension problems.
• Worn-out shocks or struts prevent the tire from maintaining steady contact with the road, causing an uneven bouncing effect.
• You’ll likely feel vibrations in the steering wheel or hear a rhythmic thumping noise while driving.

5. Feathering Wear

• Feathered tires have a smooth edge on one side and a sharp, rough edge on the other.
• This is usually caused by incorrect toe alignment, meaning your wheels are slightly pointing inward or outward.
• A misaligned toe setting can result from worn tie rods, bushings, or improper alignment after suspension work.

How To Prevent Uneven Tire Wear

If you’ve noticed any of these wear patterns, take action before the damage worsens. Here’s how:

• Check Tire Pressure Regularly – Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found in the driver’s door jamb or owner’s manual).
• Schedule Regular Alignments – A professional wheel alignment can prevent camber and toe-related wear.
• Inspect Your Suspension – Worn-out shocks, struts, or ball joints can cause excessive tire wear and should be replaced when necessary.
• Rotate Tires Every 5,000–7,500 Miles – This helps distribute wear evenly across all four tires, extending their lifespan.

Catching uneven tire wear early can save you money on tires, fuel, and suspension repairs. If you’re unsure about the condition of your tires, schedule an inspection with a trusted service center here to keep your RAM running at its best.