Tire Cupping: Causes and Signs

Tire cupping is a specific type of tire wear that you definitely want to avoid. Bridgestone Tires describes it like this: “Tire cupping can appear as if someone took an ice cream scoop and scooped out part of the tread every three to four inches around the circumference.”

Can you picture a perfect scoop of ice cream? Now imagine what the bucket looks like after that scoop is gone—there’s an empty depression where the scoop was. That’s pretty much what tire cupping looks like on your tires.

Unfortunately, unlike ice cream, tire cupping is far from a treat. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to more serious (and expensive) vehicle repairs.

What Causes Tire Cupping?

Tire cupping can be caused by several factors. The most common causes are misaligned or unbalanced tires, worn suspension, or lower-quality tires.

1. Misaligned or Unbalanced Tires

Misaligned tires don’t make even contact with the road, which causes uneven stress that can lead to tire cupping. Unbalanced tires can also cause certain parts of the tire to hit the road harder than others, which can create cupping over time. Consider a wheel alignment or a tire balance service to address this issue.

2. Worn Suspension

A worn suspension system or individual steering/suspension components causes your tires to bounce slightly as you drive. This creates uneven points of contact between the tires and the road, which is another reason for tire cupping.

3. Lower Quality Tires

Lower-quality tires are more prone to cupping because they may not be built to withstand the stresses of regular driving as well as higher-quality tires. If you notice this wear, it’s a good idea to consult with one of our TRA representatives about our tire services.

Why Is Tire Cupping So Bad?

Tires are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. Worn or cupped tires can reduce traction and overall vehicle handling, increasing the risk of tire failure, suspension component wear and also leads to an overall reduced driving experience for you!

If you notice any signs of tire cupping, it’s essential to address the issue right away to avoid more significant problems down the road.

What Are the Signs of Tire Cupping?

There are several warning signs of tire cupping. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by a professional.

1. Vibrating or Shaking

If your steering wheel vibrates or shakes while driving, your tires may be unbalanced, which can cause tire cupping. Vibrations in both the seat and steering wheel can indicate unbalanced front and rear tires, so it’s important to get this checked out immediately.

2. Tire Noise

If your tires are making unusual noise, it’s a good rule of thumb to get them inspected. Cupping can cause increased noise as the irregular tread makes uneven contact with the road.

3. Veering

If your car veers to the left or right while driving, it’s often a sign of misalignment, which can lead to tire cupping. Misaligned tires put uneven pressure on certain parts of the tread, causing irregular wear. You may need a wheel alignment to fix the problem.

4. Visible Signs of Cupping

The most obvious sign of tire cupping is the physical appearance of the tires. As mentioned earlier, cupping looks like someone scooped out chunks of the tire tread. If you see this, consider getting a tire replacement through our tire services as soon as possible to prevent further damage or safety hazards.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs or suspect tire cupping, don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit us at Team Ryan Automotive. We’ll help get your tires back in top shape and ensure your car is safe to drive!

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Team Ryan Automotive is now in Sugar Hill / Suwanee

By Shara Ryan • January 2, 2026

As we head into the new year, we are kicking things off with exciting news for the Sugar Hill and Suwanee community, because Team Ryan Automotive is officially in town! Since opening our doors in 2015, Team Ryan Automotive has proudly delivered exceptional service and trustworthy repairs in Buford, GA (Gwinnett County) and Cumming, GA (Forsyth County). Today, we are excited to bring that same level of care, expertise, and community commitment to drivers in Sugar Hill and Suwanee with our newest location at 820 Brogdon Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024. Did you know that it's possible to be in Sugar Hill city limits while having a Suwanee address? That's exactly where our Team Ryan Automotive Sugar Hill / Suwanee location is positioned. A Meaningful Transition This new location represents a special passing of the torch. After 26 years in Gwinnett County, John and Lori of J & L Automotive are retiring and entrusting their previous customers to be taken care of into 2026 and beyond by Team Ryan. As a husband and wife team, John and Lori built their business on trust and care. Those same values continue with husband and wife team Dan and Shara of Team Ryan Automotive, making this transition a natural fit and a continuation of a strong local legacy.

Auto Repair You Can Trust for Every Driver

By Shara Ryan • December 31, 2025

Auto Repair You Can Trust for Every Driver Every driver has different needs, but whet her you’re commuting in a family SUV, managing a fleet truck, driving your first car, or serving the community as a first responder, you deserve an auto repair shop that puts honesty, safety, and expert care first. At Team Ryan Automotive, serving Buford, Cumming, and Sugar Hill / Suwanee, our family-owned shop is built on one promise: Your car. Your needs. Our expertise. For Parents & Family Drivers Your vehicle carries the most important passengers in your life. From school drop-offs to weekend errands, we help keep your car safe and reliable with: Oil changes and fluid checks Brake repairs Tire rotations and alignments AC repairs and multi-point inspections At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe trust starts with transparency. That’s why we never hesitate to walk you out to the shop and show you exactly what’s going on with your vehicle. Seeing an issue firsthand helps ensure clear communication and confident decision-making. We also use Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) to keep you fully informed. Each inspection includes: Photos of your actual vehicle Clear descriptions of any recommended maintenance or repairs Honest explanations—no pressure, no surprises You’ll always know what your car needs and why. For Young & New Drivers A first car should come with confidence. We offer: Clear explanations Honest recommendations ASE-certified diagnostics No pressure. No confusion. Just a trusted mechanic you can rely on. For Contractors & Fleet Drivers When your truck is your business, downtime isn’t an option. We provide: Fast diagnostics Brake and suspension repairs Tire services and alignments Routine fleet maintenance We help keep your workday running smoothly. For First Responders & Essential Workers We're honored to support our community heroes with dependable, transparent auto repair you can count on, every visit, every time. Our team has the experience and equipment to service a wide range of vehicles, including: Vehicles up to 15,000 pounds Sprinter vans Emergency and service vehicles Dually trucks and work vehicles Why Drivers Choose Team Ryan Automotive? Family-owned and operated ASE-certified technicians Honest diagnostics, no upsells High-quality parts and repairs Lifetime Warranty on most services Convenient online scheduling Whether you’re searching for auto repair near me, oil change in Buford, or brake repair in Cumming, Team Ryan Automotive is here for you.

Auto Care Basics Workshop - Our Day at the Suwanee Library

By Shara Ryan • November 30, 2025

Team Ryan Automotive was proud to partner with the Suwanee Library to host a free Car Maintenance & Safety Workshop, designed to help drivers of all experience levels feel more confident behind the wheel. Led by Dan Ryan, co-owner of Team Ryan Automotive and a 25-year ASE Certified Master Technician, the program combined education, live demonstrations, and hands-on learning for our Buford and Cumming communities. Before the event began, Liam and Aidan welcomed families outside the library, handing out toy cars and inviting children and parents to join in the fun. The Suwanee Library staff treated us to a special behind-the-scenes tour, including a peek at the famous bouncy book drop bins that keep returned books safe from damage! What We Covered Participants gained practical knowledge and real-world tips, including how to: Select the right engine oil for their vehicle Use a dipstick to check oil levels accurately Change a tire safely and keep the right tools on hand Assemble a vehicle emergency kit for road safety Identify the qualities of a trustworthy auto repair shop and what to expect from professional service. Throughout the session, attendees asked great questions and shared their own experiences. A line quickly formed after the presentation, as community members stopped by to get one-on-one advice from Dan and the team. Continuing the Mission At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe that knowledge empowers drivers and strengthens our community. This event was a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do, educating, supporting, and serving our neighbors with honest, reliable auto care. Thanks to everyone who came to the event! We’re excited to share that the library has already invited us back for another session soon. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for details on the next community car care workshop in Suwanee!