Final answer:
The correct answer is both A and B because steering wheel free play standards may depend on both general safety standards and specific vehicle specifications, which can include tire size.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement in question is evaluating the standards for steering wheel free play. Mechanic A suggests that steering wheel free play must be less than 4 inches.
This principle is generally based on safety standards to ensure vehicle control. On the other hand, Mechanic B indicates that allowable steering wheel free play depends on the size of the tires.
This consideration is based on the understanding that different vehicles may have differing specifications and that tire size can influence steering dynamics.
In practice, the correct answer would be both A and B. The allowable free play in a steering wheel can depend both on generic standards (often less than 2 to 4 inches) and specific vehicle specifications, which may take into account the size of the tires along with other factors.
Therefore, both mechanics provide valid points that contribute to understanding the appropriate level of steering wheel free play for a particular vehicle.