Before an ASM Smog test, if a vehicle has a bald tire, what should be communicated to the customer?

• A. Tell the customer the vehicle is unsafe to test on a dyno and the tire must be replaced.
• B. Proceed with the test after inflating the tires.
• C. Test only the engine emissions and skip the dyno portion.
• D. Offer a discount on the test fee.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is safety and test readiness. On a dynamometer, the vehicle is driven on a rolling test surface under load, which places significant stress on the tires. Bald tires have very little tread and can slip, overheat, or blow out under those conditions, creating a real danger to the vehicle, the technician, and nearby equipment. Because of that risk, you must tell the customer that the vehicle is unsafe to test on the dyno and that the tire(s) need to be replaced before testing can proceed. Reschedule the appointment once the tires are in good condition. Inflation alone won’t fix the safety issue of worn tread, and the dyno portion cannot be completed until proper tires are installed.