Which of the following conditions would lead to fenders failing during inspection?

Fenders play a crucial role in vehicle safety and compliance with inspection standards. An important requirement is that fenders must adequately cover the width of the tire tread. This design helps to prevent debris, water, and other materials from being thrown into the air while the vehicle is in motion, which can pose hazards to other drivers and pedestrians.

When fenders do not cover the width of the tire tread, it can lead to numerous safety issues. For instance, exposed tires can lead to increased spray in wet conditions, reducing visibility for the driver and others on the road. Additionally, inadequate coverage can increase the risk of damage to other vehicles or cause injuries due to flying debris. As such, this condition directly impacts safety and compliance with regulations, leading to a failure during inspection.

Other conditions, while they may affect the aesthetics or structure of the fenders, do not have the same direct impact on safety as the coverage of the tire tread does.