Kerékdöntés

Kerékdöntés, often translated as "wheel tilt" or "camber angle," is a fundamental parameter in vehicle dynamics and suspension design. It refers to the angle of the wheel relative to the vertical plane when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. This angle can be positive or negative.

Positive camber means the top of the wheel is tilted outwards, away from the vehicle's centerline. Negative camber, conversely, means the top of the wheel is tilted inwards, towards the vehicle's centerline. Zero camber means the wheel is perfectly vertical.

The primary function of camber is to influence tire contact patch characteristics and handling behavior. Negative camber is commonly employed in performance vehicles, particularly at the front, to improve cornering grip. During a turn, the vehicle's body rolls, causing the outside tire to lean. Negative camber helps to counteract this roll, keeping more of the tire's tread on the road surface, thus maximizing the contact patch and the available cornering force.

However, excessive negative camber can lead to uneven tire wear, with the inner edge of the tire wearing down faster. Conversely, positive camber is rarely used on modern passenger cars as it generally degrades handling and tire wear. Suspension geometry, including camber, is carefully engineered to balance stability, tire life, and dynamic performance. Adjustments to camber are often a key part of performance tuning and alignment.