How can camber affect tire wear?

Camber refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the vertical axis when viewed from the front of the vehicle. When the camber is not set correctly, it significantly impacts how the tire makes contact with the road surface.

If the camber angle is too positive or too negative, it can lead to uneven tire wear. For example, if there is excessive negative camber, the inside edge of the tire may wear down faster than the outside edge. Conversely, with too much positive camber, the outer edge of the tire will wear more quickly. This uneven tire wear can reduce the lifespan of the tires and compromise vehicle handling and performance.

In contrast, stating that camber has no effect on tire wear suggests that the wheel's alignment has no impact on how tires interact with the road, which contradicts the fundamental principles of vehicle dynamics. The assertion that camber only affects the tread pattern ignores that improper camber settings lead directly to uneven wear across the tire’s surface. Lastly, while adjustments in camber can improve vehicle handling, they do not primarily focus on enhancing fuel efficiency. Proper alignment, including camber adjustments, is essential for optimal tire performance and longevity.