What is the term for a mark made on a surface by a tire that is free to rotate without slipping?

The term for a mark made on a surface by a tire that is free to rotate without slipping is best identified as tire imprints. This refers to the impression left by the tire as it rolls over a surface, maintaining contact without any slippage. These imprints are indicative of normal tire rotation and are often used in accident reconstruction to analyze vehicles' movements prior to or during a collision.

In contrast, tire scuff typically refers to marks created when a tire slides across a surface, often associated with skidding or loss of control. Track marks can refer to a variety of tire-related markings but do not specifically denote the condition of free rotation. Brake marks are associated with the braking process, where the tires may lock up and leave a distinct mark due to the sudden stop or slowing down of the vehicle. These variations highlight the importance of understanding tire behavior in different scenarios, particularly in accident analysis.