What does it indicate if a tire is worn in the middle?

When a tire is worn in the middle, it typically indicates that the tire is over-inflated. Over-inflation occurs when there is too much air pressure in the tire, causing it to maintain a smaller contact patch with the road. This leads to excess wear in the center of the tread because that portion of the tire is bearing the majority of the vehicle's weight, while the edges of the tire do not make adequate contact with the road.

This type of wear can reduce the tire's lifespan and affect the vehicle's handling. Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for even wear and optimal performance. In contrast, under-inflated tires tend to wear more on the edges, while uneven wear can be attributed to misalignment or poor suspension rather than a consistent pattern of wear in the middle. The quality of the tire can impact its durability, but a specific wear pattern is more indicative of pressure-related factors.