How does excessive camber affect tire performance?

Excessive camber refers to the angle of the wheels relative to the vertical axis when viewed from the front of the vehicle. When the camber is too positive or too negative, it can significantly impact tire performance, particularly regarding tire wear.

When camber is excessive, it can cause the inner or outer edge of the tire to wear out more rapidly than the opposite side. In cases of excessive negative camber, for instance, the tire's inner edge will typically wear down faster; conversely, excessive positive camber can lead to more wear on the outer edge. This uneven wear can reduce the lifespan of the tires, compromise grip, and ultimately affect handling and safety. Proper camber alignment is essential for ensuring that the entire tread surface makes contact with the road evenly during driving.

Improved traction, even tire wear, and enhanced steering responsiveness are benefits typically associated with correct camber angles. When camber is set incorrectly, these benefits diminish, illustrating why excessive camber leads to uneven tire wear.