Understeer and Oversteer

[matt_r_baker]

I watch top gear every week that it is on but i don't quite understand what understeer and oversteer is. Please can you fill me in please!!!!!!!!!

[Eddthehammer]

Oversteer - If you go around a corner too fast and the rear of the car may lose traction and will swing out to try and overtake itself.

Understeer - If you try to go into a corner too fast and the front wheels lose traction whilst turning rapidly, you will continue to travel in a straight line even though your wheels are facing a different direction.

Usually you get understeer with front wheel drive vehicles and oversteer with rear drive vehicles

[stanleyman]

Understeer is when you turn the steering wheel on a bend and the car goes straight on, most modern cars are designed to have a small amount of understeer as it is safer than oversteer which is when the back swings out on a bend and can cause a spin. Many older rear wheel drive cars did this but if you can handle it, it is much more fun to drive.

[qapmoc]

Yeah SM, and now that you have plenty of snow to play with in the UK now is the time to get out into a nice empty car park with a rear wheel drive car and get some practice at some major oversteer, can be a real laugh (provided you dont hit the kerb sideways that is)

[stanleyman]

Already been doing that and hit the kerb! Quite interesting in the Discovery though, doesn't always do what you expect being permanent 4x4 and 2 tonne. If the ice is still there tomorrow I'll give the rear wheel drive Merc a spin. The kids think its fun but still tell mum dads's been playing again!