ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light RepairSuspension and SteeringMedium
A technician observes that a vehicle's front tires are worn heavily on both the inner and outer edges, with the center tread remaining relatively good. What is the MOST likely cause of this tire wear pattern?
- AExcessive positive toe
- BOverinflation
- CExcessive negative camber
- DUnderinflation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Underinflation
Tires that are consistently underinflated will show wear on both the inner and outer edges of the tread, as the center of the tread bows inward and does not make full contact with the road.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Excessive positive toe (toe-in) causes wear on the outer edges of both front tires, as they scrub outward.
- B. Overinflation causes wear primarily in the center of the tire tread, as the tire bulges in the middle.
- C. Excessive negative camber causes wear primarily on the inner edge of the tire, as the top of the wheel tilts inward.
Tire Underinflation Wear
A specific tire wear pattern characterized by excessive wear on both the inner and outer edges of the tread.
- Caused by insufficient tire pressure
- Center of the tread does not make full contact with the road
- Reduces tire life and fuel efficiency
Memory trick: Pressure problems show on the edges.