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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How to Help Prevent 4 Common Cold Weather Battery Issues: Essential Tips for Reliable Performance

By Dan Ryan • December 21, 2024

How to Help Prevent 4 Common Cold Weather Battery Issues: Essential Tips for Reliable Performance Cold weather can put your vehicle’s battery to the ultimate test. As temperatures drop, your battery’s performance can be significantly impacted, leaving you stranded when you least expect it. Knowing how to prevent common cold weather battery issues is crucial to keeping your car starting and running smoothly all winter long. Why Does Cold Weather Affect Your Battery? Cold weather slows the chemical reactions inside your car’s battery, reducing its ability to generate power. Add thicker engine oil to the mix, and your battery works even harder to get your vehicle started on those frigid mornings. The good news? A little proactive care can make a big difference. Regularly checking your battery’s health, ensuring clean and secure connections, and keeping it fully charged are key steps to preventing winter breakdowns. At Team Ryan Automotive, we care about your safety and convenience. Here are essential tips to ensure your battery delivers reliable performance during the cold months. Key Tips for Maintaining Battery Health This Winter 1. Inspect and Test Your Battery Regularly Perform monthly visual checks to spot signs of corrosion, wear, or loose connections. Corroded terminals and damaged cables can severely impact performance, especially in colder temperatures. Voltage Testing: Use a multimeter to check your battery’s charge. A healthy battery should read 12.6 volts when fully charged. Pro Tip: Test your battery under load (while operating) to identify weak cells before they fail. If your battery is several years old, consider replacing it proactively to avoid unexpected breakdowns. 2. Follow Smart Charging Practices Cold weather drains batteries faster, so keeping them charged is essential. Invest in a smart charger that prevents overcharging and ensures your battery remains in peak condition. Never attempt to charge a frozen battery—it can lead to ruptures or even explosions. Warm the battery safely to room temperature before charging. 3. Protect Your Battery with Insulation Insulation is your battery’s best friend in winter. Battery Blankets: Electrically powered wraps keep your battery warm and operational, even in sub-zero temperatures. Insulation Sleeves: Foam or rubber sleeves add a layer of protection against extreme cold and physical damage. Proper insulation reduces the risk of freezing, keeping your battery ready for action no matter the weather. Simple Preventive Measures to Boost Battery Performance Strategic Parking Tips Where and how you park your vehicle can make a surprising difference during cold weather. Garage It : Always aim to park in a garage or covered area to shield your vehicle from harsh elements. Facing East: If outdoor parking is unavoidable, park your car facing the east to let the morning sun naturally warm up the engine. Use a Car Cover: A car cover limits exposure to snow and ice, maintaining a stable temperature for your battery and engine. Troubleshooting Common Battery Issues Jump-Starting 101 If your battery dies, jump-starting it can get you back on the road quickly: Park a working vehicle close to the dead one (without the cars touching). Connect jumper cables: Positive to positive (+) and negative (-) to a metal surface on the engine block of the dead car. Start the working vehicle, let it run for a few minutes, then start the dead vehicle. Pro Tip: Always disconnect the cables in reverse order and avoid contact with moving parts. Regular maintenance can help prevent these situations altogether. When to Seek Professional Help If your battery consistently underperforms or won’t hold a charge, it’s time to visit Team Ryan Automotive. Warning signs like flickering lights or clicking sounds during ignition may indicate deeper electrical or charging system issues, such as a failing alternator. Our experts perform comprehensive diagnostic and testing procedures to find and resolve issues, ensuring your vehicle stays reliable. Stay Ahead with Team Ryan Automotive Don’t let cold weather catch you off guard. At Team Ryan Automotive, we offer professional battery inspections, testing, and replacement services to keep your vehicle winter-ready. From identifying early warning signs to delivering expert solutions, we’re here to help. Schedule your winter vehicle checkup today and drive with confidence this season!

Spread Holiday Cheer with Team Ryan Automotive and Toys for Tots!

By Dan Ryan • December 6, 2024

Spread Holiday Cheer with Team Ryan Automotive and Toys for Tots! The holiday season is here, and at Team Ryan Automotive , we’re excited to support Toys for Tots once again. This heartwarming initiative brings joy to children in need, and we couldn’t do it without our incredible customers—like you! This year, we’re making it easier than ever for you to join in and make a difference. As one of our VIP customers, you’re eligible for an exclusive offer that lets you give back while saving on your next service. Here’s How You Can Help Step 1: Donate a Toy There are two simple ways to contribute: Bring a Toy : Bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at $25 or more to our shop. Shop Online : Purchase a toy from our Amazon Wish List and have it shipped directly to us. Be sure to show us your receipt when you come in for your service! Your generosity helps make the season magical for kids in need. Step 2: Schedule Your Service Once you’ve donated your toy, book your service appointment with us before December 19, 2024, to redeem your exclusive $25 discount! 👉 Schedule Your Service Here Why We Love Toys for Tots Toys for Tots is a nonprofit organization that has been spreading holiday joy for decades. Their mission is to provide new toys to children from economically disadvantaged families, ensuring that every child experiences the joy of Christmas. Important Details This exclusive offer is valid for one-time use only and cannot be combined with any other promotions. The $25 discount cannot be applied to tires or batteries. The deadline to donate and schedule your service is December 19, 2024 . Let’s Make a Difference Together We’re honored to partner with our customers to support Toys for Tots and bring joy to children during the holiday season. Your generosity and support truly make all the difference. Ready to spread holiday cheer? Thank you for being part of our Team Ryan Automotive family. Together, we can make this season brighter for kids who need it most.