Is it normal for the rear wheels to have a negative camber?
2 Answers
It is normal for the rear wheels to have a negative camber, which is also known as negative camber angle. This design is commonly used in sedans, performance cars, and supercars. You can often see more exaggerated negative camber angles on race cars because the cornering limits of race cars are much higher than those of ordinary cars. At this time, a larger negative camber angle provides better grip in corners. If the negative camber is adjusted to positive, the relative contact area increases, resulting in greater grip and handling during sharp turns. Therefore, many cars, especially those that focus on handling, actually have very noticeable negative camber, which is a design to enhance handling.
I remember when I first started driving, the rear wheels of my car had a slight toe-out alignment, which felt off at the time. Later, I found out it wasn't normal. Toe-out means the tires tilt outward, which can cause instability while driving, noticeable tail swing during turns, and uneven tire wear—more on one side than the other. Common causes include aging or damaged suspension components, such as shock absorber issues, or unrepaired collision damage. If left unaddressed for too long, not only will tire wear accelerate, but braking distance may also increase, compromising driving safety. I recommend getting a professional wheel alignment check first—it can usually be corrected for a few hundred dollars. Also, watch out for potholes and avoid hard landings while driving to extend the suspension's lifespan.
