What are the benefits of negative camber?
2 Answers
Benefits of negative camber: It refers to the 'toe-out' configuration where the force angle and contact area of negatively cambered tires are ideal, enhancing the vehicle's cornering performance. Since the friction for vehicle movement is provided by the tires, the magnitude of friction is directly related to the tire's contact area with the ground. After setting negative camber, the vehicle gains greater friction support for both acceleration and braking, naturally making it more stable during driving. Many performance sports cars modify their tires to have negative camber primarily to increase grip during turns and enhance overall vehicle performance. When a car turns, the body tilts due to centrifugal force, compressing the outer wheels and suspension, which bear greater pressure. With negative camber, the tire's contact area increases, resulting in stronger handling performance.
I learned from my racing experience that negative camber significantly enhances tire grip during high-speed cornering. When the tops of the wheels tilt inward, the tires can better adhere to the road surface under centrifugal force during turns, reducing the risk of slipping—especially in wet or track conditions where handling becomes more stable. I've also noticed this makes the car more precise when entering corners, with sharper responsiveness, adding to the driving pleasure. Of course, it's not perfect; it causes premature wear on the inner edges of the tires, increasing replacement costs for daily driving. I recommend considering adjustments only for performance driving and avoiding unnecessary modifications to street commuter cars—after all, balancing safety and handling is key. Professional shops can help set the right angle, typically between -1 to -2 degrees for racing applications.
