What is a potential consequence of operating a vehicle with one rear dual wheel underinflated and the other overinflated?

• A. The vehicle handles perfectly
• B. Increased risk of blowout on the underinflated tire
• C. Improved traction on any surface
• D. Decreased fuel efficiency only

Answer: (B)

Uneven tire pressures in a rear dual-wheel setup create an unsafe load balance and heat buildup. When one tire is underinflated, it flexes more and carries more of the load, generating excess heat. The other tire, being overinflated, bears less of its share. This combination stresses the underinflated tire’s structure and greatly increases the risk of a blowout. The instability and handling issues that come from mismatched pressures also make steering and braking less predictable. So the most important safety consequence is the higher chance of a blowout on the underinflated tire.