Wheel alignment fundamentals — evaluate the statement: “Positive camber is used to compensate for wheels tilting inward due to the weight of the vehicle.” Indicate whether this statement is correct in the traditional alignment context.

Introduction / Context:
Camber is the inclination of the wheel from the vertical when viewed from the front of a vehicle. Positive camber means the top of the wheel leans outward; negative camber means it leans inward. Suspension deflection under vehicle weight and cornering loads alters camber, so static camber settings are selected to give desired tyre contact and wear during operation. The statement links positive camber to compensation for inward tilt caused by weight.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Consider traditional beam axle and early independent front suspensions where static geometry aimed to yield near-zero camber in laden condition.
• Objective is to maintain a good contact patch and reduce shoulder wear during straight-ahead driving.
• Modern performance vehicles may prefer slight negative camber for cornering grip, but the question refers to classic reasoning.

Concept / Approach:

When a vehicle settles under its own weight, compliance and suspension geometry can cause the wheels to tilt slightly inward at the top. Setting a small positive static camber offsets this tendency so that, in the loaded condition, the camber approaches zero and tyre wear is minimized in straight-line travel. This traditional practice was common before widespread adoption of optimized negative camber for cornering performance in modern independent suspensions.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Alignment manuals for legacy designs list small positive camber specifications to account for loaded deflection, aligning with the statement.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Answering “No” would ignore the historical and instructional context in which positive camber was indeed specified to offset inward tilt from weight on certain suspensions.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming modern negative camber preferences invalidate the traditional rationale; forgetting that alignment goals can differ between comfort, tyre life, and high-g cornering performance.

Final Answer:

Yes