Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'99 Toyota Camry, Early Tire Wear

Q: We have a ‘99 Camry which has done under 20k. All of this driving has been highway driving. Most of the year the vehicle is kept in a garage and only driven occasionally. We recently returned from a trip to Florida and took the car in for a service. On picking up the vehicle we were told that the rear tires ( which they had just rotated) were "1/8 inch to wear bar" and would soon need replacing. Is this considered "normal" wear and tear for tires used under these conditions? I believe the tires are Dunlop Sport, and were factory installed. I think replacement at this time seems premature and would appreciate your comments..............David

A: You’re right that’s a little on the early side for having to replace tires. It is likely that the problem is not the tire’s fault but that of the vehicle’s alignment. On today’s vehicle an alignment includes more than the front end of a vehicle. Your Toyota, like a majority of newer vehicles, has adjustments for the rear wheel alignment. If the alignment of the rear tires is off it can ruin a set of tires just as fast as if the front of the vehicle was out of alignment. When you have your tires replaced be sure to have a four wheel alignment performed. The answer will be in the numbers and I’m willing to bet that your Toyota’s alignment numbers are off.