Question

Difficulty: EasyTires, Wheels, and Rims Inspection

While inspecting the drive axle tires on a commercial combination vehicle prior to departure, a driver measures the remaining tread depth across all major grooves. What is the minimum acceptable tread depth required to legally operate these drive axle tires?

  1. A
    1/32 inch
  2. B
    4/32 inch
  3. 2/32 inchAnswer
  4. D
    6/32 inch

Answer

The minimum acceptable tread depth for drive axle tires is 2/32 inch in every major groove.
Federal commercial motor vehicle safety regulations require a minimum remaining tread depth of 2/32 inch in every major groove on all tires other than front steering axle tires (including drive and trailer axles).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific wheel position mentioned in the scenario.
The inspection focuses on drive axle tires, which are non-steering positions.
Regulatory tread depth standards differ between front steer tires and all other vehicle axles.
2
Apply the commercial motor vehicle minimum tread depth standard for non-steering tires.
Drive and trailer axle tires require at least 2/32 inch of tread depth in every major groove.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards specify 4/32 inch for front steer tires and 2/32 inch for all other tires.

Key Concept

Tire Tread Depth Regulatory Minimums
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question