Flat and Damage Problems

Wear concentrated in the center of the tread means the tire has been chronically overinflated. Wear on both outer edges means chronic underinflation. Wear on one edge only points to an alignment problem. Cupping or scalloping across the tread surface suggests a balance or suspension issue. Each pattern identifies a specific, fixable cause, and addressing the cause before replacing the tire prevents the same pattern from destroying the replacement.

Describe your handling symptom to Michelin's Inspector Tool and it narrows the likely cause systematically. Speed-specific vibration points to imbalance. A consistent pull after pressure has been equalized points to alignment. A pull that occurs only during braking points to the braking system. The tool asks the diagnostic questions that distinguish between tire issues and mechanical ones, so you can book the right service appointment rather than a general inspection.

Use Michelin's Sidewall Inspector to identify what you are looking at before deciding whether to drive the vehicle. An indentation where cords overlap inside the tire is a normal manufacturing feature and completely harmless. A protrusion or bubble indicates an internal structural failure and means the tire must be replaced immediately. The tool provides a clear, specific recommendation based on your description, including when to pull over without driving further.

The Tread Inspector module helps you interpret what you see on your tread surface. Center wear confirms chronic overinflation. Edge wear on both sides confirms chronic underinflation. One-sided wear confirms an alignment problem. If you find a nail, the tool will tell you what not to do: do not pull it out yourself. Drive carefully to a professional, have the tire removed from the wheel, and have a proper internal inspection and patch-and-plug repair performed.