Tramlining is a phenomenon where a vehicle’s tires, particularly those with low-profile designs, have a tendency to follow the contours or irregularities of the road surface. This can include following ridges, ruts, or other uneven features on the road.
The effect is more pronounced in vehicles with wide tires and low-profile sidewalls, as they have less flexibility to absorb and adapt to variations in the road surface. As a result, when driving over uneven road surfaces, the tires can become influenced by the irregularities, causing the vehicle to veer slightly off course and follow the path dictated by the road imperfections.
Tramlining can sometimes be felt as a slight steering wheel tug or a sensation of the vehicle pulling in a particular direction, especially at higher speeds. It’s important for drivers to be aware of tramlining, as it can affect vehicle control, particularly on roads with significant ruts or irregularities. Adjusting tire pressure, alignment, or choosing tires with different characteristics can sometimes help mitigate tramlining effects.
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