What is a common indicator of tire wear?

A common indicator of tire wear is shallower tread depth. As tires are used over time, the tread, which provides traction and helps with vehicle stability, wears down due to contact with the road surface. When the tread depth decreases, it can lead to decreased performance, especially in wet conditions where proper water evacuation is crucial for maintaining grip.

Measuring the tread depth can help assess how much life is left in a tire; deeper tread means better performance and safety. In many cases, tires are considered worn out when the tread depth reaches a certain minimum, typically around 2/32 of an inch, beyond which the risk of hydroplaning and braking distance increases significantly.

The other options do not serve as common indicators of tire wear. Water drainage channels, increased rubber flexibility, and tire color fading do not directly correlate with the functional performance and safety associated with tread depth. Thus, monitoring tread depth is crucial for safe driving and ensuring tires are replaced in a timely manner.