Which tire condition is likely to lead to irregular tread wear?

Tire misalignment is a significant contributor to irregular tread wear because it causes the tires to make contact with the road at incorrect angles. When tires are misaligned, different areas of the tire tread can experience uneven contact with the road surface, leading to specific patterns of wear. For example, a common effect of misalignment is that the inner or outer edges of the tire may wear down faster than the center, resulting in an uneven tread profile.

In contrast, proper inflation, consistent rotation, and balanced tires all promote even wear across the tire surface. Proper inflation helps maintain the ideal contact patch with the road, while regular rotation ensures that all tires wear down at a similar rate, and balanced tires reduce vibrations and improve the ride quality, further supporting even tread wear. Therefore, misalignment is the main issue that leads to irregular tread wear.