Tyres are exposed to a wide range of road conditions, driving styles, and environmental factors. Over time, this can lead to visible damage, uneven wear, or changes in how a vehicle feels when driving.
Understanding common tyre issues — and what typically causes them — helps drivers recognise when tyres may need inspection and supports safer driving decisions.
This article provides general information only and does not replace professional inspection. If a tyre appears damaged or unsafe, it should be checked by a qualified tyre professional.
🚨 Sudden or Visible Tyre Damage
What Causes a Tyre Blowout?
A tyre blowout happens when a tyre fails suddenly. This can be caused by:
- Prolonged under‑inflation
- Overloading the vehicle
- Existing tyre damage
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes
Blowouts can affect vehicle control, which is why damaged or under‑inflated tyres should always be inspected promptly.
What Causes a Bulge in a Tyre?
A bulge in a tyre is usually the result of impact damage, such as hitting a pothole or kerb. This impact can damage the internal structure of the tyre.
Other contributing factors may include overloading or damage caused by sharp objects. A bulge indicates structural damage and the tyre should not be used.
What Causes a Tyre to Burst?
A tyre may burst due to:
- Over‑inflation
- Impact damage
- Continued use beyond the tyre’s recommended lifespan
Regular visual checks help identify issues before they become serious.
What Causes Tyre Sidewall Damage?
Sidewall damage is most commonly caused by impacts, including kerbing or potholes. In rare cases, it may also occur due to incorrect tyre fitting.
Any sidewall damage should always be assessed professionally, as the sidewall plays a critical role in tyre strength.
What Causes Tyre Separation?
Tyre separation occurs when the tread or internal belts separate from the tyre casing.
This can be caused by:
- Manufacturing defects
- Significant overloading
- Long‑term under‑inflation
Tyre separation requires immediate attention.
📉 Uneven or Unusual Tyre Wear
What Causes Excessive Tyre Wear?
Excessive or premature wear is commonly linked to:
- Incorrect tyre pressure
- Wheel misalignment
- Driving style
- Poor road conditions
Uneven wear reduces tyre lifespan and can affect handling and braking.
What Causes Inner Tyre Wear?
Inner edge wear is often associated with:
- Wheel misalignment
- Worn suspension components
- Excessive vehicle weight
What Causes Outer Tyre Wear?
Wear on the outer edge of the tyre is commonly caused by:
- Under‑inflation
- Excessively positive camber
- Vehicle overloading
What Is Feathering on Tyres?
Feathering occurs when tread blocks feel smooth on one direction and sharp on the other.
This is typically linked to:
- Wheel alignment issues
- Worn suspension parts
What Causes Sawtooth Tyre Wear?
Sawtooth wear creates a stepped pattern across the tread and is usually caused by:
- Wheel misalignment
- Suspension wear
What Causes Scalloped Tyres?
Scalloped wear appears as raised and lowered sections around the tread. This is commonly caused by running tyres at incorrect air pressure.
What Causes Flat Spots on Tyres?
Flat spots can occur due to:
- Prolonged parking or storage
- Heavy or emergency braking
Some flat spots may improve with normal driving, while others may remain.
🕒 Tyre Age and Condition Issues
What Causes Tyres to Crack?
Tyre cracking can be caused by:
- Age‑related material deterioration
- Prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight
- Chronic under‑inflation
What Causes Perished Tyres?
Perishing occurs when tyres harden and crack over time. This is often linked to long periods of inactivity, heat exposure, and natural ageing.
What Causes Misshapen Tyres?
A tyre may become misshapen due to:
- Impact damage
- Under‑inflation
- Manufacturing defects
Any distortion should be inspected before continued use.
Handling, Noise and Driving Behaviour
Why Do Tyres Squeal?
Tyres may squeal during braking or cornering due to:
- Hard acceleration
- Sudden steering inputs
This is more noticeable during aggressive driving.
Can Bad Wheel Alignment Cause Issues?
Yes. Poor wheel alignment can lead to:
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven tyre wear
- Vibrations at speed
- Increased road noise
In severe cases, wheel alignment issues can contribute to MOT failure.
Can Wheel Alignment Affect Braking, Steering, or Fuel Use?
Misalignment can:
- Cause pulling under braking
- Make steering feel unstable or vague
- Increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption
🔧 Tyre Pressure and TPMS‑Related Issues
Can a Tyre Go Flat Without a Puncture?
Yes. Loss of pressure can occur due to:
- Gradual air loss over time
- Valve or rim corrosion
- Valve damage
- A faulty tyre
Regular pressure checks help identify issues early.
Why a TPMS Warning Light May Stay On
A TPMS warning light may remain on due to:
- Incorrect tyre pressures
- Slow leaks or punctures
- Faulty TPMS sensors
- System or communication faults
Tyre pressures should always be checked first.
How TPMS Sensors Can Be Damaged
TPMS sensors can be damaged during:
- Tyre fitting or removal
- Kerb impacts
- Punctures
- Corrosion over time
Faulty sensors usually require specialist diagnosis.
⚠️ Uneven Tyre Wear: Risks and Prevention
Uneven tyre wear can result in reduced grip, shorter tyre lifespan, increased fuel consumption, and a higher risk of tyre failure.
To help prevent uneven wear:
- Check tyre pressures regularly
- Have wheel alignment checked during servicing or tyre replacement
- Drive smoothly and avoid harsh manoeuvres
- Address suspension issues promptly
If unusual wear patterns are noticed, tyres should be inspected by a qualified tyre fitter.
✔️ Key Points
- Tyre damage and wear are commonly caused by pressure, alignment, driving style, and road conditions
- Visible damage or unusual wear should never be ignored
- Wheel alignment significantly affects tyre lifespan and handling
- TPMS warnings and pressure issues often require professional inspection