Incorrect turning radius may cause which issues?

Prepare for the Automotive Service Technician Period 1 exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

When the turning radius is off, the wheels don’t point and roll exactly along the direction of travel during a turn. This causes tire scrub, where the tires slide slightly against the road instead of rolling cleanly, which creates noise (tire squeal) and accelerates tread wear, especially on certain edges or zones. The scrubbing friction also means the tires work harder to follow the turn, which is why you see more wear and louder operation. The other outcomes listed—better fuel efficiency, a smoother ride, or less steering effort—don’t result from mis-set turning radius; in practice, incorrect geometry tends to reduce efficiency and make steering feel heavier or inconsistent due to increased tire resistance.