Which factor can contribute to uneven tire wear?

Answer: D — All of the above

Uneven tire wear can be influenced by multiple factors, and the choice that encompasses all of them – driving habits, using winter tires year-round, and under-inflation – is the most comprehensive. Driving habits play a significant role in how tires wear over time. For instance, aggressive driving, including rapid acceleration, hard braking, and making sharp turns, can lead to faster and uneven wear on tires. Using winter tires year-round can also contribute to uneven wear. Winter tires are designed for colder conditions, featuring softer rubber compounds that can wear out more quickly on warm, dry pavement. Using them outside their intended season accelerates this degradation. Under-inflation leads to more surface area of the tire contacting the road, which not only generates excess heat but also causes increased friction and uneven wear patterns across the tire. Proper tire pressure is crucial for even tread wear and maximizing tire lifespan. When all these factors are considered together, it becomes clear that each one can independently contribute to uneven tire wear, making the choice that includes all of them the most valid.