Significantly Uneven Tread Wear: A Theory/Question

The shop I take my car to does an all-over inspection every second or third time I take it in. If they find something funny, they let me know. That’s how they found I had a broken rear leaf spring as well as a bad tie rod end, bad wheel bearing and needed shocks and struts.

That’s because almost all Subarus have all-wheel drive. If the tires aren’t all the same size, it can cause excessive wear to parts of the drivetrain. It can also cause the AWD control system to route power away from the smaller tire, and to cause the car to be in the wrong gear.

I’ve had several AWD cars and don’t recall any warnings about that. Better check my current CX-5 owner’s manual I guess.

It’s stamped on the sidewall of the tires. A higher number is supposed to mean a more durable tread, but I’ve heard that manufacturers assign their own numbers, so they may not compare strictly between brands.

Nissan 370Z (RWD).

Ok, so if there were a problem with my suspension my shop would have noticed it. So that’s not the issue.

Thanks again!

I’ve only seen the term “rotate” referred to once in the whole thread. Are you not rotating your tires?

Of course I rotate my tires.

I check the tire pressure regularly, too, which hasn’t been mentioned at *all *in this thread. Surprised you didn’t ask about that. :wink:

Except for post #2.

Crap.
:smiley: