Toe

Toe is a measurement of how parallel two tires, on the same axle, are to each other when viewed from above. Specifically, it is the difference in distance between the two front treads and the two rear treads. If the tires were perfectly parallel to each other, toe would be 0". If two tires point inward toward each other, they have toe-in, or positive toe. If the tires point outward away from each other, they have toe-out, or negative toe.


TOE-IN (TOP VIEW)
TOE-IN (TOP VIEW)

TOE-OUT (TOP VIEW)
TOE-OUT (TOP VIEW)

Most wheels are aligned with toe-in since there is a natural tendency for non-driving wheels to spread outward when in motion, particularly at high speed. The toe-in setting and physical forces cancel each other, and the tires roll straight ahead without tread scrubbing. However, if the front wheels are driving wheels, they require toe-out to counteract their toe-in tendency under motion due to engine torque. Toe setting is obtained by adjusting the length of the tie rods. Correct toe setting is very important for minimizing tire wear.


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