Over-inflation of a tire will cause excessive tire wear on the ______ of the tread.

• A. Edges
• B. Center
• C. Shoulders
• D. Sidewall

Answer: (B)

When a tire is over-inflated, the center of the tread carries more of the vehicle’s load and remains in heavier contact with the road. That increased contact pressure wears the center of the tread faster than the edges, leading to excessive center tread wear. Under-inflation, by contrast, tends to wear the edges or shoulders more because the outer parts of the tread bear more load. Sidewalls wear for other reasons like impact or severe underinflation.