Tire unusual markings and wear patterns

This page shows the effects of improper suspension settings on tires, and how to diagnose them visually.

Thanks Bryce!

Feel The Track! Tire unusual markings and wear patterns

COLD TEAR (potential rebound tear) These markings are indications of the tire having too much air so that the outer skin cannot reach the required temperature. The tire is probably gaining only 3-4 pounds when it comes off the track. It can also indicate incorrect rebound adjustment in both front and rear tires, so tire pressure gain must be checked immediately after getting off the track. Gain should be 5-7lbs from cold to hot. SHOCK SPRING TEAR When the shock spring is too soft or too hard, the tire carcass is put under extreme duress to the point where the tire shreds and melts. This can be determined by measuring sag to see if the target number cannot be reached firstly, without considerably adding preload to the spring or secondly, if all the preload is off the spring. SHOCK REBOUND TEAR When the shock rebound adjustment is incorrectly set on D.O.T. tires, the tread pattern will show cupping on the leading portion of the pattern with a raised edge followed by a low spot immediately behind it. HOT TEAR When the tire has too little air in it, the pressure gain from cold to hot will be in excess of 10 pounds. When this occurs the tire melts and leaves an angled pattern yet a solid edge on the outer area of the tire.

Home Page | Contact Us | Top of Page