What is the effect of underinflated tires after prolonged use?

Underinflated tires, when used over a prolonged period, primarily lead to outer tread wear on both sides. This occurs because insufficient air pressure causes the tire to bulge, which affects its contact patch with the road. A tire that is underinflated tends to have more of its weight loading the outer edges rather than distributing evenly across the tread.

As these outer regions make enhanced contact with the road surface, they wear down faster compared to the center of the tire. The outer edges of the tread experience increased friction and heat generation due to this distorted contact area, leading to premature wear. Therefore, the significant wear on both sides is a characteristic outcome of tires being consistently underinflated, which can compromise vehicle handling and safety.

The other choices represent different types of wear that are associated with other conditions, such as misalignment or improper inflation levels that vary in degree and direction but do not specifically highlight the effects of prolonged underinflation.