A scrub mark is defined as what type of tire mark?

A scrub mark refers to the distinct tire mark produced when a tire is not able to rotate freely, typically due to being locked up or otherwise damaged. This situation manifests when a vehicle is skidding to an abrupt stop, resulting in the tire making contact with the road surface while it is not rotating. The tire essentially scrubs against the pavement, leaving a mark that can often reveal the direction of travel prior to the incident.

In contrast, the other options describe different tire behaviors that do not match the definition of a scrub mark. For instance, a tire mark resulting from side-skipping typically indicates a different type of movement where the vehicle drifts sideways and would not necessarily be considered a scrub mark. A tire mark created when the tire is still rotating reflects normal rolling behavior rather than the locked or damaged state associated with a scrub mark. Similarly, a tire mark made while skidding on wet surfaces could imply hydroplaning or loss of traction without the tire being locked, which also does not align with what is defined as a scrub mark. Thus, understanding the mechanics behind these different tire actions clarifies why the definition of a scrub mark best fits the situation involving a locked or damaged wheel.