Tire cupping, also known as scalloping, is an uneven tread wear pattern characterized by dips or scooped-out sections around the tire tread. Several factors cause tires to cup:
- Worn or damaged suspension parts: When shocks, struts, or other suspension components wear out or become loose, the tire can bounce excessively on the road instead of rolling smoothly. This bouncing causes uneven pressure points on the tire, leading to cupping
- Unbalanced tires: Tires that are not evenly balanced cause certain tread sections to hit the road with more force, resulting in uneven wear and cupping
- Misaligned wheels: Improper wheel alignment means tires do not roll straight, causing uneven contact with the road and accelerated wear in some areas, which can cause cupping
- Overloading the vehicle: Carrying weight beyond the vehicle's capacity stresses the tires, causing excessive flexing and heat buildup that can degrade the tire structure and lead to cupping, especially on rear tires
- Low-quality or damaged tires: Tires of inferior quality or those that are underinflated or damaged may wear unevenly and develop cupping
Signs 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
. In summary, tire cupping is primarily caused by suspension issues, wheel imbalance, misalignment, overloading, and sometimes poor tire quality. Addressing these underlying problems is essential to prevent or fix tire cupping
