Tire cupping is an uneven wear pattern that occurs due to irregular up-and-down motions of a wheel, which interferes with the proper contact of the tire with the road, scooping rubber in spots. The following are some of the causes of tire cupping:

• Misaligned Tires: If the tires have too much misalignment in the wheels compared with the factory alignment specifications, the motion of the vehicle can cause uneven strain on the tire.

• Unbalanced Tires or Bent Wheels: If your tire is out of balance or a wheel is bent, the centrifugal forces involved in spinning an unbalanced wheel can bounce the tire enough to lead to cupping, over time.

• Worn Suspension and Shocks: Worn suspension and shocks can cause the tire to bounce excessively, leading to cupping.

• Cheap Tires: Some tires may use lower-quality materials that are more prone to wear unevenly, making them more susceptible to cupping on a vehicle with a worn suspension or less-than-perfect wheel balance.

Tire cupping is not something that should be ignored, as it can worsen and result in other problems. Inconsistent contact, noise, and vibration are some of the symptoms of tire cupping. To prevent tire cupping, it is important to pay attention to your car’s suspension system and have it repaired when recommended by your service provider. Also, choose quality tires for your car, truck, or SUV that will hold up throughout the years, and check tire inflation every month, along with checking your tire tread to look for signs of uneven wear.