How does under-inflation of tires affect tread wear?

Under-inflation of tires leads to increased wear on the shoulders of the tire. When a tire is under-inflated, the contact patch with the road becomes larger, and more of the tire's sidewalls come into contact with the surface. This results in enhanced flexing of the tire during operation. The extra heat generated by this flexing can cause the rubber on the tire's shoulders to wear down faster than the center tread.

As a result, you may observe uneven tread wear, where the edges of the tire exhibit significantly more wear than the central portion. This condition not only affects the tire's longevity but can also lead to reduced performance and safety issues, especially in terms of handling and traction. Proper tire inflation is crucial for achieving a balanced and even tread wear pattern, promoting both safety and efficiency.