Departure Angle
The departure angle is the steepest slope a vehicle can drive off without the rear bumper or tow bar hitting the ground.
What is Departure Angle?
It is measured from the rear tyre to the lowest point of the rear overhang. Tow bars and exhaust pipes often reduce it. It matters on steep drops and ferry ramps. Long rear overhangs on estates and vans reduce the departure angle.
How it works
The angle is set by the rear tyre contact point and the lowest part of the rear body.
Why it matters for your car
A fitted tow bar can scrape when leaving steep driveways. Detachable tow bars help when off-roading.
Other terms
- Alternator
- Bench Seat
- Connector Corrosion
- DC Fast Charging
- Dielectric Grease
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD, 4×4)
- Front Wing (Fender)
- Fuel Additive
- Glass Polish
- Heated Windscreen
- Paint Code
- Parking Pawl
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rod Knock (Big-end Knock)
- Side Window
- Targa Top
- Tyre Noise (Rolling Noise)
- Vehicle Category (M1, N1)
- WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure)
- ZDDP (Zinc Anti-Wear Additive)