Question

Difficulty: MediumTires, Wheels, and Rims Inspection

A carrier's shop log documents tread depth measurements taken across various wheel positions on a newly assigned freight transport unit. Which of the documented tire measurements constitutes an out-of-service safety defect?

  1. A
    Drive axle tire with 3/32-inch tread depth remaining across all major grooves
  2. Front steering axle tire with 3/32-inch tread depth in a major grooveAnswer
  3. C
    Trailer axle tire with 2/32-inch tread depth remaining across all major grooves
  4. D
    Steering axle tire with 4/32-inch tread depth remaining across all major grooves

Answer

Front steering axle tire with 3/32-inch tread depth in a major groove
Federal commercial vehicle safety standards mandate that front steering axle tires must have a minimum tread depth of at least 4/32 inch in every major groove. A front steering tire measuring only 3/32 inch fails this requirement and constitutes an out-of-service safety violation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall the federal minimum tread depth standards for different commercial vehicle axle positions.
Front steering axle tires require at least 4/32 inch of tread depth in every major groove, while non-steer tires (drive and trailer axles) require at least 2/32 inch.
Steering tires require greater groove depth to prevent hydroplaning and maintain directional control.
2
Evaluate each listed axle measurement against regulatory minimums.
A front steering axle tire with 3/32 inch of tread depth falls below the 4/32-inch threshold and is out of compliance.
Operating a steering tire below 4/32 inch violates safety standards and creates an immediate operational hazard.

Key Concept

Commercial Motor Vehicle Tire Tread Depth Inspection Standards
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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