What is the difference between oversteer and understeer? In this article, you’ll learn the difference between understeer and oversteer. Both phenomena are rare and usually only occur when driving on the track or on icy/wet roads.
Where does oversteer or understeer occur?
Before getting into these terms, it’s important to understand where they happen. This usually happens when the car is cornering in imperfect conditions.
This either means that the driver is driving too fast, the road is slippery and icy, or the tires are worn. Any kind of steering can happen if your tires aren’t in optimal condition, so it’s important to buy a set of winter tires and make sure your tires are healthy.
What is understeer?
If your car is understeering, you’ll almost go straight through the turn. Even if you turn the wheel, your car will only make a slight turn but will continue to drive in an almost straight line.
The problem, of course, is that you’ll run away with understeer.
A car that understeers at a turn will take on a wider radius than a turn. Even though it’s called understeer, you’re already overshoot when cornering.
How to correct understeer
If you notice that your car is understeering, your first instinct should be to stop the throttle. If possible, apply the brakes gently. Instead of steering further, let go of the steering wheel and start steering in the opposite direction. This helps to give your tires more grip, which is the only hope of helping you get out of this slippery slope.
What is Oversteer?
What is the difference between oversteer and understeer? Oversteer is when your car suddenly stalls while turning. It’s a more confusing version than understeer. You might be driving 180 degrees on the road or be lucky enough to slide to a stop.
Another way to think about oversteer is if you’re cornering too hard. Instead of following the natural curve of the turn, oversteer takes sharper corners.
The joke in the automotive world is that oversteer is the preferred type because you won’t be able to see it when you hit a tree.
There’s also a form called “oversteering” off the ground, which happens when you lift your foot off the throttle too quickly while cornering.
This causes the rear of your car to lift up and become lighter, causing you to fall into a spin.
How to correct oversteer
Oversteer usually occurs when you drive too fast and give it too much oil when cornering. Smoothly release the throttle and turn your wheels in the opposite direction.
If you experience oversteer at liftoff, you’ll need to press the throttle smoothly again. It definitely looks counterintuitive, but it’s the only way to put the rear axles back on the road and give them grip again.
If all else fails, put it in neutral and slam on the brakes. With your fingers crossed, you’re done spinning on the asphalt.
What causes understeer or oversteer?
The simple answer is that both of these can happen due to a lack of grip. If you turn the wheels too hard or hit a piece of low-friction asphalt, your car won’t be able to turn properly.
Whether you’re understeered or oversteered depends only on what kind of drivetrain you have.
What is the difference between oversteer and understeer
What does the drivetrain have to do with it?
In case you didn’t know, understeer and oversteer are specific to certain drivetrains. If you don’t know, your car has a specific drivetrain that determines which wheel gets the power. Two of the four styles of the “drivetrain” are front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive – front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
Oversteer usually occurs in rear-wheel drive, while understeer occurs in front-wheel drive cars. Why? It’s all about physics.
The wheels that provide power will determine whether you are “oversteered or understeered”.
Conclusion
What is the difference between oversteer and understeer? Needless to say, oversteer and understeer are just as terrible. We’ve just described both of these situations and told you what causes them, as well as some quick tips to try to get rid of understeer or oversteer. Remember to slow down when turning, especially when the road is slippery – this will help you avoid this turn.
