What typically causes a vibration felt in the steering wheel at highway speeds?

A vibration felt in the steering wheel at highway speeds is primarily attributed to issues with the front tires, which includes conditions such as them being defective or out-of-balance. When the front tires are not properly balanced, they can cause uneven rotational forces, leading to vibration as the vehicle travels at higher speeds. This vibration typically transfers to the steering system and is most noticeable through the steering wheel since it is directly connected to the front suspension and wheel assemblies.

Balancing the tires ensures that the weight is evenly distributed around the tire, which is crucial for smooth operation. Furthermore, if the tires have defects such as uneven wear, damage, or structural issues, they may also contribute to vibrations. The front tires are integral to steering control, and any imbalance or defect directly affects how the vehicle responds to driver inputs, leading to noticeable vibrations in the steering wheel.

Conditions or issues with the rear tires, drive shaft, or drive axle shafts, while they can contribute to vibrations in general, typically do not manifest primarily through the steering wheel at highway speeds. Hence, the focus on the front tires as the root cause in this scenario is accurate.