Which of the following could lead to reduced traction in a vehicle?

Excessive camber can notably lead to reduced traction in a vehicle. Camber refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the vertical axis viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. When camber is excessive, either positively or negatively, it impacts how the tire makes contact with the road surface.

If the camber is too positive, the outside edge of the tire may wear excessively, leading to poor grip as only a small portion of the tire contacts the road. On the other hand, excessive negative camber can cause the inside edge of the tire to wear out more quickly while also affecting the tire’s ability to generate sufficient traction during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Ultimately, improper camber alignment increases the risk of tire slippage and instability, thereby reducing overall traction.

In contrast, properly aligned wheels, balanced tire pressure, and freshly replaced tires tend to improve vehicle stability and traction. Proper alignment ensures that all wheels are positioned correctly relative to the vehicle and the road, leading to even tire wear and enhanced grip. Balanced tire pressure ensures adequate contact with the road, and new tires generally provide optimal traction due to their tread design and material condition.