What type of tire wear is caused by improper camber?

Improper camber can lead to a specific wear pattern on tires, aptly known as camber wear. This type of wear occurs when the tires are not perpendicular to the ground due to misalignment, causing one side of the tire to make more contact with the road than the other. When the camber angle is incorrect, typically tilted too far inwards or outwards, it results in uneven wear across the tread.

In cases of excessive negative camber, for instance, the inner edge of the tire will wear down more rapidly than the outer edge. Conversely, too much positive camber causes the outer edge to wear more quickly. This pattern of wearing is distinctive and can be visibly observed when inspecting the tire, making it easy to identify as an issue directly related to camber alignment. Understanding this wear pattern is crucial for diagnosing alignment problems and ensuring proper vehicle handling and tire longevity.