Buses may have recapped or regrooved tires. Where are these tires allowed to be used?

Buses may have recapped or regrooved tires. Where are these tires allowed to be used?

• A. Anywhere except the front wheels
• B. Only on the front wheels
• C. Only on the rear tires
• D. Not allowed at all

Answer: (A)

Tire safety and steering control drive this rule: recapped or regrooved tires can be used on wheels that don’t steer, but they aren’t permitted on the front steering wheels. The front tires handle steering and braking loads, so they require dependable tread and structural integrity. Regrooved or recapped tires can have more variability in tread depth and heat buildup, which raises the risk of loss of traction or a blowout under steering and braking. Placing them on rear or non-steering axles keeps the risk away from the steering, preserving handling and safety. That’s why these tires are allowed anywhere except the front wheels.

Tire safety and steering control drive this rule: recapped or regrooved tires can be used on wheels that don’t steer, but they aren’t permitted on the front steering wheels. The front tires handle steering and braking loads, so they require dependable tread and structural integrity. Regrooved or recapped tires can have more variability in tread depth and heat buildup, which raises the risk of loss of traction or a blowout under steering and braking. Placing them on rear or non-steering axles keeps the risk away from the steering, preserving handling and safety. That’s why these tires are allowed anywhere except the front wheels.