What is the likely consequence of worn ball joints on the vehicle's performance?

Worn ball joints can lead to increased tire wear because they are critical components of the vehicle's suspension system that connect the control arms to the wheel hub. When ball joints wear out, they can cause excessive play or looseness in the wheel assembly, which can result in misalignment. This misalignment often leads to uneven tire wear, as the tires are not making proper contact with the road surface.

Additionally, the wear in the ball joints can allow for a misalignment between the wheels, causing them to tilt and wear the tires unevenly on one side. The resulting tire wear is typically characterized by scalloping, cupping, or abnormal patterns on the tire surface, which can ultimately necessitate more frequent tire replacements or rotations to maintain proper handling and performance of the vehicle. Therefore, the connection between worn ball joints and increased tire wear is significant and directly impacts the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.