Unusual tyre wear? (pics included)
 

Hi guys,

I noticed some unusual wear on the front left tyre. All other tyres seem fine. I have some comparison photos to show. FYI, the car is stock (running stock 17 inch tyres). I've had the car for 4 months now and its done about 7000 km, it's never been taken to the track.

If you look carefully, the pattern on the edge of the sidewall has been worn off.

Any ideas on what the issue could be? Could this just be an alignment issue? What should I be expecting when I bring the car into the dealership? I'm planning to do this soon, but wanted to have info before going in, in case they try to downplay this.

Thanks, everyrone!




Front Left Tyre (problem):
http://i58.tinypic.com/2n8y7wg.jpg

Rear Left Tyre (for comparison, all the others look like this):
http://i62.tinypic.com/hsnjo0.jpg

So rotate them and check your alignment. Many places do this for free.

Edit: The checking alignment is free

Thats what happens after a lot of hard cornering, but usually not just one.

under inflated maybe?

You spelled tire wrong. ;)

That is how people in the UK spell "tire" (and in OP's case, Australia)

but judging by your wink smiley, you knew that already.

check your toe specs when u get an alignment.

Could be assortment of many issues; under-inflation, positive camber or toe.

I would check the tire pressure before making the trip to the dealership.


But if you drive the car how its meant to be driven, all 4 should look like that ;)

Stock alignment + aggressive street driving = your gonna have a bad tire wear

Especially outer edges. Part of the reason people are looking for negative camber on track is more contact patch, as a result more even tire wear.

Sorry, it's totaled

or maybe you are one of the few who struggle like this guy
http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/5d/5dc52...9ac85be4af.jpg


I agree with everyone above, first get a free alignment check (most places advertise them as free), then go from there, if the alignment is fine you could try rotating the tires

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

I live in Melbourne, Australia. I can't think of a single free service here :-( Wheel alignments here average around $50 to $75.

Finally got it looked at though. My local tyre and wheel shop said that because the wear wasn't consistent through the tyre, it was unlikely to be the result of a toe misalignment. It was patchy in my case and was put down to cornering, probably through roundabouts.

The wear wasn't enough to warrant a tyre rotation. But I did get an alignment + report done just for peace of mind. Report is attached here for anyone who is interested:
http://i61.tinypic.com/2r6e9eo.jpg

:( The price of being really, really ridiculously good looking ...

lol! Had to re-watch Zoolander after I read your post