What is an effect of improper tire inflation?

Improper tire inflation can lead to uneven tire wear, which is a significant concern for vehicle maintenance. When tires are under-inflated or over-inflated, they do not make proper contact with the roadway. This can cause certain areas of the tire tread to wear more quickly than others. For instance, under-inflation often leads to more wear on the edges of the tires, while over-inflation can cause the center of the tread to wear more rapidly. This uneven wear can adversely affect vehicle handling, safety, and overall performance, making it essential to maintain the recommended tire pressure for optimal tire health and longevity.

The other options do not correlate with the consequences of improper tire inflation. Improved traction is often associated with properly inflated tires that maintain better contact with the road. Increased fuel efficiency is typically a benefit of having tires at the correct pressure, rather than an effect of improper inflation. Lastly, proper tire inflation can help in reducing cabin noise, so improper inflation would likely increase noise levels rather than decrease them.