Question

What causes cupping on tires?

Cupped tires have an irregular tire wear pattern as if someone had engraved tiny scoops out of the tread, looking like scratches or divots. It is also known as tire scalloping.

You may not realize that your car has cupped tires unless the car’s performance drops. Let’s find out why cupping happens on your car’s tires.

What causes cupping on tires?

These are some reasons why your car has cupped tires.

Misalignment: If the tires are misaligned, the contact with the road won’t be even. The uneven stress caused by the misalignment may appear on the tread as “cupping.”
Damaged suspension and shocks: Suspension parts like struts, shock absorbers, or bushings will wear out as you travel longer. So, instead of rolling smoothly, the tire will be bouncing a little. This creates irregular pressure on tires, leading to cupping.
Unbalanced tires: If there isn’t even distribution of weight across a tire’s circumference, it could cause he tires to be unbalanced. So, some areas of the tread will touch the road with a higher force than others. These areas will suffer more wear, leading to tire cupping.
Low-quality tires: Not all the tires are of the same quality. Some will be manufactured using low-quality materials. These tires will be more prone to cupping on a vehicle with damaged suspension and lower wheel balance.
Damaged or bent rims: The tire rim will get damaged when your vehicle hits potholes or huge pieces of solid road debris. Often, you won’t find out the rim has been damaged. Having a damaged or bent rim will cause the vehicle’s weight to lean towards one side of the tire. Cupping will occur when you drive your car for a long period with a damaged rim.

Symptoms of tire cupping

These are the ideal symptoms when cupping of tires happens. If you notice any one of these, take your car to a skilled mechanic.

Visible symptoms: The most obvious one will be the appearance of the tire’s tread. You can see shapes like someone scooped out portions of the tire tread. Then, go for a tire replacement.
Noise: Cupping will cause high noise when the tread makes irregular contact with the road.
Shaking or vibrating: Your vehicle’s tires will be unbalanced if your vehicle’s steering wheel shakes or vibrates while driving, leading to tire cupping.
Veering: Your vehicle’s tires are misaligned if your vehicle moves to the left or right while driving. Driving with misaligned tires can lead to cupping.

Is it safe to drive on cupped tires?

No, it isn’t! Having divots and scratches on tires means some areas of the tire don’t make contact with the road. So, the tires will have less traction, and the ability to stop and turn will be lower. So, if you see cupped tires, take your vehicle to a skilled mechanic right away and get it rectified.