Tire Lead

Lead is the movement or wander of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with no pressure on the steering wheel. Lead is usually caused by:
- incorrect wheel alignment.
- brake drag.
- uneven or incorrect tire inflation pressures.
- damaged or worn tire construction.

The way in which a tire is constructed can produce lead. An example of this is placement of the radial belts. Off-center belts on a radial tire can cause the tire to develop a side force while rolling straight down the road. If one side of the tire is a little larger in diameter than the other, the tire will tend to roll to one side. This will develop a side force which can produce lead.