Tire Wear...

[Luster]

I have the misfortune of having to work "off-site" for a couple of months.

At the off-site location, it is necessary for me to drive on a gravel road for about 2 miles each direction.

After only 2 weeks, I have seen SIGNIFICANT tire wear! Especially on the "shoulders" of the tires. (20,000 miles on tires). Prior to my site relocation, the tire treads LOOKED LIKE NEW.

I have the tire pressure set at 37psi. They are 50-series Goodyears with a TWR of 280.

I'm going to try to make these tires last until my return to civilization!

Is it normal to see that kind of tire wear when driving on gravel? After all it's only 4 miles per day.

[Jake11375]

Not exactly sure Luster,

Is it loose gravel? I would imagine tire wear would be less if you drop your speed dramatically. My dad lives in the country on a "loose" gravel road about 1 mile from the highway. But I creep at about 10 mph the whole way to avoid rock chips. I suppose it would depend on speed somewhat. Driving at higher speeds would almost certainly mean greater tread loss with various rocks cutting away at a rubber compound.

[Lowejackson]

I would get the alignment checked. I can see how gravel could wear down a tyre quickly but I am not sure why it would be on the edge of the tyre. Maybe a good question for Geekysteve?

Steven

[flyby]

you really need to lower the psi especailly on non paved roads....most cars only need about 32-35 psi when running on the pavement. check your door jam for the reccommended tir psi and then go from there. unless its very "soupy" dirt, almost sandy deep dirt then all you really need to do is run the reccommended psi.....