Tires used on both sides but not in middle

[naika]

Hi,
I have had my 17" wheels on for a few month now and a few month ago I also installed a lowering kit.
I had the alignment done right away to correct the toe in / Camber but I noticed in the back, my tires are getting worn on the inside and outside (inside much more than outside actually)

Also, the front isn't the best and I feel like I am gonna need new tires soon (just bought them 3-4 months ago anf the inside of the tire still looks brand new)

Any advice, what could cause this? Too much pressure in tires?

I drive mostly highway to work, spirited driver for sure when possible. I don't have any camber plates.

I want to fix this before the tires are worn out.

Thanks guys

[Raxe]

Sounds like not enough air in the tires.

[NC325iC]

underinflated

[Farbin Kaiber]

underinflated

x2

[backtrail69]

x2

X3 If the center only is worn over inflated and outers is underinflated.

[markseven]

It's been my experience that the lower the side profile, the more air pressure required.

[SamE30e]

X3 If the center only is worn over inflated and outers is underinflated.

x400,659,765

[Mike325]

Tire pressure too low. By now you should know this;)

[10/10ths]

Just curious...what tire pressure were you running?

and yes, classic underinflation

[naika]

Tire pressure too low. By now you should know this;)

Thanks Guys,
Well, at least everybody seem to agree on this one.

I actually inflated the tires a few weeks ago and I am running 30psi in the front and 32 psi in the back on 17" wheels with 205/40/17 tires (if I remember well.

The inside of the tires is definately more worn that the outside but it is obvious when i look at them that the center looks new.

How much pressure should I run on that kind of setting

Also, do you guys think Camber plates would help or is somewhat unnecessary for street/highway use?
The rear is what i am worried th emost about as it seems the inside is wearing out pretty quick.

I will keep remember now, differences between overinflation and underinflation :p

[Lance Racing]

If you are trying to make up for under inflation to get some more life on the tires, the try running 36psi for a while.

To make it easier to remember, more inflation is just like blowing up a balloon, the middle of the tire will swell up, so you ride on the middle.

If you had access to a infra-red digital pyrometer you could drive for a while on the freeway, then pull off and measure the temperature at the inner edge, middle and outer edge of the tire tread. If you can get the middle of the tire to reader warmer than the inner or outer edge, then you know you have enough inflation to be running a bit more on the middle of the tire, thus generating more heat on the middle of the tire.

Infrared pyrometers are so cheap now, and have so many uses, everyone should own one. Search Ebay for brand "Raytek". Ones that read up to 500 degrees are around $30 I think (a couple years ago they were $100). We use ours in the kitchen a lot. So much so I bought another one for the garage so I didn't have to keep looking for it in the kitchen. LOL.

[gearheadE30]

^^That's a good idea. Great track-day tuning tool :)

Remember that if your car is lowered, you will have more negative camber. This will cause the inside edges of all four tires to wear slightly faster.

[BeirBrennerE30]

hey i think your tires may be low... just a hunch

i run 38 psi happily in my 205/40-17 yoko paradas

[naika]

hey i think your tires may be low... just a hunch

i run 38 psi happily in my 205/40-17 yoko paradas

seriously! I thought 30-32 was enough. I will inflate them to 36-38 then and see. From what I see, it is obvious that I need more pressure. And obviously my negative camber is ruining the tires too.
Would camber plates make a big difference?
How do I solve the camber problem in the back?

[markseven]

seriously! I thought 30-32 was enough. I will inflate them to 36-38 then and see. From what I see, it is obvious that I need more pressure. And obviously my negative camber is ruining the tires too.
Would camber plates make a big difference?
How do I solve the camber problem in the back?

Camber plates add camber. Negative camber is desirable/necessary for crisp handling and turn-in. Cars with independent rear suspensions typically wear the inside of the tire faster than the middle or outer edge... this is the nature of the beast. Everything in life is a trade-off - in this case, awesome handling characteristics vs. tire longevity.