What measurements are crucial when assessing tire tread wear?

When assessing tire tread wear, focusing on tire tread depth and the evenness across the tire surface is essential. Tread depth is vital because it directly affects the tire's ability to grip the road surface, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Insufficient tread depth can lead to hydroplaning, reduced handling, and increased stopping distances, which are critical safety concerns.

Moreover, evaluating the evenness of the tread across the tire surface helps identify irregular wear patterns that could indicate issues such as misalignment, tire over-inflation, under-inflation, or suspension problems. Uneven wear can compromise the tire's performance, affecting traction, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle handling.

While the other options mention measurements related to tires, they do not directly correlate with assessing tire tread wear as effectively as tread depth and evenness do. For instance, tire width and diameter are more about the dimensions of the tire rather than wear assessment, while tire pressure and alignment are equally important for overall tire health but do not specifically measure tread wear. Similarly, tire age and brand relate to the tire's quality and lifespan but do not provide immediate insights into the current state of tread wear.