Tramlining

Tramlining is the tendency of a vehicle's wheels to follow the contours in the surface upon which it runs.

[1][2][3] The term comes from the tendency of a car's wheels to follow the normally recessed rails of street trams, without driver input in the same way that the train does.

Although not normally dangerous, at very high speeds it can become a source of instability.

Vehicles with large and wide low-profile tires are more prone to the effects[1][3] as well as vehicles which have wheels fitted that are larger than the manufacturer's recommendation or have reinforced sidewalls.

The effects of tramlining can be eased by subjecting the vehicle to an inspection and calibration of the wheels (i.e. a full geometry check) or replacing the tires with non-reinforced (soft-sidewall) tires.