What does the presence of polished or shiny areas at the flanges or clamps of spoke wheels indicate?
- The vehicle is carrying excessive weight.
- There is potential rim slippage due to loose fasteners. ✓
- The rims are new and have not been used.
- The rims are securely fastened to the spokes.
Answer: B. There is potential rim slippage due to loose fasteners.
Polished or shiny areas at the flanges or clamps of spoke wheels indicate there is potential rim slippage due to loose fasteners.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's pre-trip inspection list says that when you check spoke wheels, you should confirm the rims are securely fastened to the spokes. It notes that polished or shiny areas at the flanges or clamps may be a sign of rim slippage caused by loose fasteners. Shiny metal there means parts have been rubbing and moving against each other, so the wheel needs a closer look before you drive.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. The vehicle is carrying excessive weight. — The passages tie shiny flange and clamp areas to movement between rim and spoke, not to how much weight the vehicle is carrying.
- C. The rims are new and have not been used. — Nothing in the passages says new rims look polished at the flanges or clamps; the shine is described as a sign of slippage.
- D. The rims are securely fastened to the spokes. — Polished areas point the other way, toward rims that may not be staying put because the fasteners are loose.
Remember it
Shiny metal at the flange or clamp means metal has been rubbing, so treat it as a wheel that may be slipping and check the fasteners.