Which of the following is the most likely cause of tires worn in the center?

Tires that exhibit wear in the center typically indicate overinflation. When tires are overinflated, the contact patch—the area of the tire that touches the road—becomes smaller, causing the center portion of the tread to make the majority of the contact with the surface. This uneven distribution of pressure leads to accelerated wear in that center region, as the outer edges of the tire do not make sufficient contact with the road.

Overinflation can result in a harsh ride, reduced traction, and compromised braking performance, among other issues. It is crucial to maintain the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure to ensure even tire wear, optimal grip, and overall vehicle safety. This wear pattern is distinctly different from other issues such as underinflation, which causes the edges of the tire to wear more quickly, or issues related to suspension geometry like excessive camber or caster adjustments, which lead to different wear characteristics altogether.