What effect does incorrect rear toe have on tire wear?

Incorrect rear toe can lead to diagonal wear patterns on tires because it alters the alignment of the wheels relative to the vehicle and to each other. When the rear toe is not set correctly, the tires can both scrub against the road surface in a way that causes uneven distribution of wear across the tread. This scrubbing action creates situations where one side of the tire tread might wear down faster than the other, resulting in a diagonal pattern.

In a properly aligned vehicle, the tires should wear evenly, distributing the contact pressure across the entire tire surface. However, with improper rear toe adjustments, the misalignment leads to excess friction and varying forces acting on the tires during normal driving conditions. This is why diagonal wear patterns are a common symptom of incorrect rear toe settings, prompting the need for adjustments to restore proper alignment and tire longevity.