Wear concentrated down the middle of the tread, with healthy rubber on both edges, is almost always one thing: overinflation. The fix is free.
Overinflated tires lose grip in the wet and can blow out from impacts. Drop pressure to the door jamb spec - the number on the sidewall is the maximum, not the recommended.
A tire pumped above spec bulges in the middle, putting all the load on the center of the tread. The #1 cause by far. Use the door jamb sticker PSI, not the sidewall maximum.
A tire wider than what was specified for your wheels can rest on its center more than its edges. Check that your tire size matches the door jamb placard.
Spinning the drive tires regularly wears the center band faster - common on high-power rear-drive cars. Solution: drive less aggressively or rotate more often.
On some trucks and SUVs, a worn rear axle or driveline bushing can cause the tire to ride on its centerline. Diagnosis at a shop.
A defective tire with internal belt damage can bulge in the center. Visible as a hump in the tread. Replace the tire immediately - this can fail at speed.
| What You Notice | Likely Diagnostic Step |
|---|---|
| Smooth band of wear down the middle | Almost always overinflation - check with gauge |
| Both rear tires only | Heavy acceleration on a rear-wheel-drive car |
| Visible hump in the tread | Belt separation - replace tire immediately |
| Center wear plus harsh ride | Confirms overinflation |
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Overinflation is by far the most common cause. The tire bulges in the middle and rides only on its centerline. Less common causes are oversized tires, heavy acceleration, or belt separation inside the tire.
Use a gauge and compare to the door jamb sticker. The ride will feel harsh, the car will skip over bumps, and the center of the tread will wear faster than the edges.
No, underinflation causes outer edge wear. Center wear is overinflation.
Check the sticker inside the driver door. Typical passenger cars are 32-36 PSI; trucks and SUVs vary from 30 to 80 PSI depending on load. Never exceed the sidewall maximum.
It reduces wet grip and stopping distance. Severe overinflation also makes tires more vulnerable to blowouts from impacts. Fix it as soon as you notice.
Many air pumps default to 35 or 40 PSI regardless of your car. Always set the pump to your door jamb spec before using it, and confirm with your own gauge.