Seeking advice on cupped tired

I have some very badly cupped hankook dynapro ATMs with only ~15000 mi on them... Hard to say exactly what caused them to cup, but I think poor alignment or an absolute spring board of an aal may have contributed. Either way all of suspension is redone. I've heard cupped tires will never be the same unless you get them "shaved", and believe it or not I can't find a single tire "shaver" in the Houston area. I've also heard (from people not trying to sell me new tires) that driving on cupped tires is somewhat of a safety concern, largely due to the periodic loss of traction. So I have a few options:
1. Search far and wide for a tire "shaver"
2. Bite the bullet and get all new tires
3. Keep them, hope they smooth out with frequent rotations, and pray they're safe enough to handle Houston weather and traffic

Your thoughts / experiences? Thanks

 

I drove on cupped tires (unknowingly) on my MR2 for along time, didn't really notice it besides the added harshness. Go do some burnouts or if you really want to play it safe then get new tires or just drive on them until they wear evenly again.

 

Have you noticed any loss of traction after all the crazy rain we've been getting? Like easily slipping when you start driving at a light, or hydroplaning more than usual?

 

Unless you notice an increased loss of traction I'd say just keep them. Especially if you won't be seeing snow.

 

I'm usually pretty light on the pedal so haven't noticed anything from a stop. Haven't hydroplaned yet, but that's a huge concern here for sure

 

Ha! Burnouts would solve it quickly

That's kind of where I'm at. I will be likely moving to a snowy region about this time next year, maybe I'll just evaluate it when the time comes

 

My dungflops used to hydroplane like crazy on the highway at posted speeds. My new tires, not so much.

It's good that you're easy on the start. It's just the outside that's cupped, right? Not the inside? I wonder if you can try a chalk test to see if they're still wearing "evenly" despite that potential wheel hop.

 

Is it just the rears?

 

No it's all of them. Rear driver is he worst (they've been switched around quite a bit recently, so unsure about where each developed cupping)

 

Yeah just outsides. Huh I've seen the chalk test around, I'll have to look into that. I could have the tires flipped I suppose... I don't think the ATMs are directional. Thanks for the advice

 

How new are shocks springs?
The spring board you talk about can definitely cause.

 

Drove my Subaru with cupped tires the whole damn time. every time i'd put new tires, cupping. I just made sure they always rotated the same direction when I did my rotations and checked the pressure every couple weeks.
I never saw any issues in the snow, rain, or shine.
(Video on tire tread cupping)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG2mmIcQRIA

 

Chalk test, then look for worn parts.

 

Powerbrake it, rotate tires, powerbrake it. Repeat

 

Cupping occurred with new 5100's (front at 1.75 with stock springs), crappy front alignment due to need for new UCA's, and a harsh, springy aal. Now I have new UCA, same 5100, OME 884, and wheelers progressive aal. Overall much nicer ride in back and perfect alignment up front. I ruined all the variables for deciphering cause, but likely fixed the issue.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Sounds like keeping them, rotating often, and monitoring would be the best solution for now. Will have to look up the chalk test. I can afford new tires, but obviously would rather not shell out

 

Just to update: it looks as though the springy add-a-leafs were the culprit for the tires cupping. Basically, the overly bouncy add-a-leafs overpowered the rear struts (brand new 5100's), which is effectively the same as having blown struts, leading to high-frequency bouncing and ultimately tire cupping. Wheeler's progressive add-a-leaf pack has made for a much smoother ride and haven't noticed cupping worsening

 

Alignment check, rotate, air pressure. mine had similar wear which I attributed to cornering the truck and not regularly rotating the tires

 

The cupping on my tires.
Gone!
A trip from VT to Miami at the right pressure, then a trip to MN at a slightly higher pressure.

 

Interesting. Did you plan on running those tire pressures to try to solve the cupping?

 

I noticed my pressure was WICKED low! I mean like 20psi, and I just replaced upper ball joints.

SO....
I figured putting it at a slightly higher pressure plus hypermilling with a bed full of tables and a desk would be enough weight on the tires to undo some cupping.

It worked!