What type of damage to a tire would require it to be removed from service?

The correct answer focuses on the significant safety implications of a cut that exposes the ply or belt material of a tire. When a tire has a cut that reaches through to the internal components, such as the ply or belt, it compromises the structural integrity of the tire. These internal layers are critical for the tire's ability to maintain air pressure and handle the stresses of driving. A tire with such damage is at risk of failing, which can lead to dangerous situations while on the road, including blowouts or loss of control of the vehicle.

In contrast, a small nail in the tread may not necessitate immediate removal from service if it’s not causing air loss and can be safely repaired. Minor surface abrasions typically do not affect the tire's overall integrity and often do not pose a significant risk. Uneven wear, while a concern and indicative of potential issues with alignment or inflation, does not require immediate removal unless it has degraded the tire to a level that affects safety. Therefore, only a cut that exposes internal materials is serious enough to warrant removing a tire from service for safety reasons.