Which of the following is a sign that a tire may need replacement due to uneven wear?

• A. Even wear across the tread
• B. Abnormal wear patterns on the tread surface
• C. The tire color
• D. The age of the aircraft

Answer: (B)

Uneven wear on a tire shows up as abnormal wear patterns across the tread and is a clear sign the tire hasn’t worn uniformly. Those irregular patterns reveal unequal contact pressures or loads, which can be caused by factors like incorrect inflation, misalignment, or issues with the suspension or braking system. When you see these abnormal patterns, it often means the tire has reached the end of its useful life or is unsafe to continue using, so replacement is usually the prudent choice. In contrast, even wear across the tread suggests normal usage, and tire color or the age of the aircraft aren’t reliable indicators of tread health.