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Tyres > Help > Tyres Help > What is tyre cupping or scalloping?
Tyre cupping, also known as scalloping, is an irregular wear pattern made up of a series of dips or scooped-out sections around the tyre's circumference, rather than even wear across the tread. It tends to happen every few inches around the tyre, giving the tread an uneven, wave-like surface.
You may be able to see or feel the dips by running a hand across the tread. Cupped tyres are often noisy, producing a humming or thumping sound that gets louder with speed, and can cause a vibration through the steering wheel or seat.
Cupping is usually a sign of a problem elsewhere on the car rather than the tyre itself. Worn shock absorbers, struts or suspension bushes can let the wheel bounce slightly instead of tracking smoothly along the road, and an out-of-balance wheel can have the same effect. In some cases, worn wheel bearings can also contribute.
Because cupping is usually caused by a worn or faulty component, having the suspension inspected and the wheels rebalanced is the best starting point. Replacing a cupped tyre without addressing the underlying cause will usually mean the new tyre cups again over time.