During a multi-point vehicle inspection, an automotive technician observes several distinct tire wear patterns across different fleet vehicles. Match each observed tire wear pattern with its primary operational or mechanical root cause.
- Symmetrical wear concentrated along both outer tread shoulders with minimal center tread wearChronic underinflation causing the center crown to bow inward and load the sidewall shoulders
- Rapid, accelerated wear localized strictly along the center tread ribChronic overinflation causing the crown to balloon outward and concentrate load at the centerline
- Directional saw-tooth or feathered edges across individual tread ribs felt when wiping across the tireIncorrect wheel toe alignment causing continuous lateral tire scrub across the road surface
- Scalloped, localized scooped-out dips and cupped bald spots around the tire circumferenceWorn suspension shock absorbers or severe wheel imbalance causing dynamic tire hop
Answer
Match symmetrical dual-shoulder wear with chronic underinflation; center rib wear with chronic overinflation; feathered saw-tooth wear with improper toe alignment; and cupping or scalloping with worn shock absorbers or dynamic wheel imbalance.
Each tire wear profile represents a distinct mechanical or operating fault: underinflation unloads the center and overloads both shoulders; overinflation crowns the center rib; toe misalignment causes horizontal dragging that feathers tread blocks; and weak suspension damping allows uncontrolled vertical bouncing that cuts rhythmic cupped dips into the tread circumference.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Tire Wear Pattern Diagnostics and Chassis Alignment Relationships
Estimated Time:1m 30s