What is the inward or outward leaning of the tire in a vertical axis called?

The inward or outward leaning of a tire in relation to a vertical axis is known as the camber angle. This measurement is vital for vehicle alignment and influences how the tire interacts with the road surface. A positive camber indicates the top of the tire is leaning outward from the vehicle, while a negative camber indicates it is leaning inward. This angling can affect vehicle handling, tire wear, and overall stability.

When the camber angle is not properly adjusted, it can lead to uneven tire wear and influence the vehicle's performance during cornering. A proper camber setting helps enhance traction and maintain optimal contact with the road, thereby ensuring safer and more efficient driving. This makes the camber angle a critical aspect of vehicle suspension geometry and performance tuning.