Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Practice Test

What are common causes of a front wheel skid?

1. Cargo loaded improperly, driving too fast, lack of tread on front tires

2. Low tire pressure, heavy braking

3. Poor alignment, overloading the vehicle

4. Rear wheels locking up

The correct answer is: Cargo loaded improperly, driving too fast, lack of tread on front tires

A front wheel skid commonly occurs due to several underlying issues that affect vehicle handling and traction. The correct answer identifies factors such as improperly loaded cargo, excessive driving speed, and insufficient tread on the front tires as notable contributors to a front wheel skid. Cargo loaded improperly can cause the vehicle’s weight distribution to shift, leading to instability during turns and abrupt maneuvers. This imbalance can overwhelm the front tires' grip on the road, resulting in a skid. Driving too fast can also significantly reduce the available traction; higher speeds generate more momentum, which can make it difficult for the tires to maintain their grip, especially when turning or encountering slippery conditions. Lack of tread on front tires is crucial since tread patterns are designed to channel water away from the tire and provide a gripping surface. Worn tires cannot effectively grip the road, increasing the likelihood of a skid when braking or making sharp maneuvers. The other factors mentioned in the other answers may contribute to general vehicle handling issues but do not specifically and directly relate to the mechanism of a front wheel skid as effectively as those in the correct answer.