Keith’s Guide to Keeping Your Car On the Road

Posted on: 20 July 2023

Understanding the different elements that make up your car's suspension system is important for any car owner. Learning about camber, castor and the toe angle can help you take better care of your tyres and ensure your vehicle handles well. But what do these terms mean, how are they related and why are they all important?

Camber

Camber means the angle of your tyres in relation to the road surface. If the wheels of a car are tilted outward at the top, this is referred to as positive camber. If they are tilted inward at the top, it's called negative camber. A neutral angle means that the wheel is perpendicular to the road. Positive camber is beneficial for high-speed cornering as it provides better grip, but it can cause uneven tyre wear on the outer edges. Negative camber, on the other hand, is good for low-speed manoeuvring but can cause wear on the inner edges of the tyre. It is important to have the correct camber angle set for your driving style, and the type of driving you do.

Castor

Castor is the angle between the steering axis and the vertical axis. A positive castor angle means the steering axis is tilted backward, while a negative angle means it is tilted forward. Castor's primary function is to provide directional stability, which helps make steering more predictable and secure at highway speeds. It also helps reduce steering effort, making it easier to turn the wheel. An incorrect castor angle can result in fast tyre wear, excessive steering effort and poor handling.

Toe Angle

This refers to the angle at which the tyres are pointed inward or outward relative to the centre line of the vehicle when seen from the top. Positive toe occurs when the tyres are turned inward towards the centre line, while negative toe occurs when the wheels are turned outward. The toe angle on your vehicle can have a significant impact on tyre wear and handling. If the toe angle is not set correctly, it can cause the tires to scrub unevenly and result in handling problems such as excessive oversteer or understeer.

What You Need  to Remember

Properly aligned wheels not only provide better handling and safety but also help prolong the lifespan of your tyres. Remember to check your car's alignment regularly and take the vehicle in for a service when needed. You'll certainly notice the difference at the time and be happier with the performance of your vehicle. 

For more info, contact a local company like Coomera Tyre World.