What does cupped wear indicate about a vehicle's suspension?

Cupped wear on tires is often caused by excessive wheel jounce, which refers to the up-and-down movement of the wheel as it encounters bumps in the road. This kind of wear pattern typically manifests as irregularities on the tire surface, where certain spots are worn more than others, giving a cupped appearance.

When the suspension system is not functioning correctly—perhaps due to worn-out shocks or struts, insufficient dampening, or other related issues—this results in the tires bouncing excessively. The inconsistent contact with the road leads to this abnormal wear pattern. Therefore, cupped wear serves as a strong indicator that there may be problems within the vehicle's suspension system affecting ride quality and overall performance.

In contrast, other options do not accurately relate to cupped wear. For example, too stiff of a suspension would not typically cause the cupped wear but rather result in a harsh ride. Overinflated tires might show wear but would usually cause a different pattern of tire degradation. Finally, if the alignment were perfect, one would not expect to see cupped wear, as proper alignment contributes to even tire wear. Understanding the causes behind tire wear patterns is essential for diagnosing and addressing potential issues within a vehicle’s suspension system.