Incorrect wheel alignment is the single most common cause of premature tyre wear. When wheels are not pointing in exactly the right direction, the tyre scrubs against the road surface at a slight angle, wearing down the edge or centre of the tread far faster than normal. You may notice the vehicle pulling to one side when driving on a straight Cardiff road as an early indicator of alignment issues.
Over or under-inflation accelerates wear in predictable patterns. An over-inflated tyre wears down the centre of the tread, while an under-inflated tyre wears both edges. Checking your pressures monthly and correcting them to the manufacturer specification is a simple step that can add thousands of miles to your tyre life. Similarly, neglecting tyre rotation means the front tyres — which steer and brake — wear significantly faster than the rear ones.
Aggressive driving habits also shorten tyre life considerably. Hard acceleration, heavy braking and fast cornering all generate excessive heat and friction that wears rubber quickly. Whilst we understand that Cardiff's roads and traffic can be frustrating, smooth, progressive driving will save you money on tyres in the long run. If you suspect alignment issues, Royal Mobile Tyres can advise during a mobile inspection.