Tyre Damage: Causes, Types, and Prevention

Tyres can become damaged for a variety of reasons — and not all of them are immediately visible. From punctures and cracks to bulges and uneven wear, understanding the causes and early warning signs of tyre damage is essential for safe driving.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common types of tyre damage, what causes them, how to identify each one, and how to prevent further issues.

How to Check Your Tyres

Perform regular visual inspections of all four tyres, ideally once a month and before long trips. Look for:

• Irregular tread wear

• Cuts or embedded objects

• Cracks or bulges in the sidewall

• Uneven tyre pressure or loss of air

Even minor signs of damage can escalate into serious safety risks if ignored.

Identifying Irregular Tyre Wear

Irregular wear is a common early sign of improper tyre setup or maintenance. The three most frequent patterns are:

1. Heel and Toe Wear

This wear pattern occurs due to normal rolling and suspension geometry. It appears as a series of small, uneven steps on the tread blocks — more noticeable on non-driven wheels.

Causes include:

• Long-distance driving at constant speeds

• Moderate driving style with little cornering

• Incorrect alignment or camber settings

Prevention tip: Regular tyre rotation and maintaining proper inflation pressure can help reduce heel and toe wear.

2. Centre Wear

Centre wear appears when the middle of the tread wears faster than the edges.

Causes include:

• Over-inflation of tyres

• High torque levels and strong acceleration (especially in high-powered or front-wheel-drive vehicles)

• Frequent stop-start driving or rapid acceleration

Prevention tip: Maintain correct inflation pressure and avoid aggressive acceleration.

3. One-Sided Wear

One-sided wear happens when tread wear is noticeably deeper on one side of the tyre.

Common causes:

• Incorrect wheel alignment (toe-in or toe-out)

• Impact damage from hitting kerbs

• Modified or lowered suspension systems

Prevention tip: Have your wheel alignment checked regularly, especially after hitting a pothole or kerb.

Impact Damage and Bulges

A visible bulge or bubble on the tyre sidewall is a serious warning sign. It means that the tyre’s carcass cords have broken, usually from hitting obstacles like kerbs, potholes, or speed bumps too quickly or at the wrong angle.

Dangers:
Ignoring a sidewall bulge can lead to sudden tyre failure, delamination, or blowout.

Prevention:
Drive slowly over obstacles and avoid sharp angles of impact. If you spot a bulge, replace the tyre immediately.

Sidewall Indentations (Dimples)

Unlike bulges, small indentations or dimples on the sidewall are generally harmless.

These marks occur during tyre manufacturing when overlapping layers of carcass cords settle under pressure — similar to pulling a string tight around a balloon.

When to worry:
If unsure, have a tyre specialist inspect them to confirm that they are surface indentations and not deeper structural issues.

Cuts and Surface Damage

Cuts are caused by sharp objects such as glass, stones, or metal debris on the road.

What to do:
Even if a cut looks minor, have it inspected by a professional. Cuts can weaken the tyre structure and cause air leaks or blowouts over time.

Punctures

Punctures occur when nails, screws, or other sharp objects pierce through the tread. You might notice:

• A slow loss of air pressure

• A nail or screw embedded in the tyre

What to do:
Do not continue driving on a punctured tyre. Visit a tyre specialist immediately. In many cases, punctures can be repaired if they’re not on the sidewall and within repairable limits.

Preventing Tyre Damage

Good driving habits and routine maintenance go a long way toward preventing tyre damage:

✅ Rotate tyres regularly between front and rear axles (following the manufacturer’s guidance).
✅ Avoid sudden impacts — slow down when crossing potholes, speed bumps, or debris.
✅ Inspect tyres frequently for visible damage, uneven wear, or embedded objects.
✅ Check tyre pressure monthly and before long trips.
✅ Store tyres properly in a cool, dry, and dark environment when not in use.

Tip: Regular tyre rotation — for example, during seasonal changes between summer and winter tyres — helps promote even wear and extends tyre life.

Final Thoughts

Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road — keeping them in good condition is crucial for your safety.
Regular inspection, proper inflation, and prompt repair or replacement of damaged tyres can prevent costly accidents and ensure smooth, reliable performance in all conditions.