Tire cupping, also known as scalloping, is an uneven tire wear pattern characterized by scooped or dip-like patches appearing around the tire tread. It is caused primarily by issues that prevent the tire from maintaining consistent contact with the road surface. The main causes of tire cupping include:
- Worn or damaged suspension components: Parts like shock absorbers, struts, and bushings wear out over time, causing the wheel to bounce instead of rolling smoothly. This bouncing results in uneven pressure points on the tire, leading to cupping
- Misaligned tires: When tires are not properly aligned, they do not roll straight, causing uneven contact with the road and uneven tread wear that manifests as cupping
- Unbalanced tires or bent wheels: Tires that are out of balance or wheels that are bent create centrifugal forces that make the tire bounce. This bouncing causes some tread sections to wear more quickly, resulting in cupping
- Low-quality tires: Tires that are not up to manufacturer standards may be more prone to cupping due to their inability to handle minor vibrations or bouncing effectively
Symptoms of tire cupping include a rhythmic noise while driving, vibrations in the steering wheel or seat, and visible scooped wear patches on the tire tread
. Addressing tire cupping requires fixing the underlying issues such as replacing worn suspension parts, correcting wheel alignment, and balancing tires. Once cupping begins, the tire’s tread is unevenly worn and may need replacement to restore safe traction
. In summary, tire cupping is caused by suspension problems, misalignment, unbalanced or bent wheels, and sometimes poor tire quality, all of which lead to uneven tire contact and bouncing on the road
