Oversteer
Oversteer happens when the rear tyres lose grip and the rear of the car slides out, so the car turns more than intended.
What is Oversteer?
It can occur with sudden throttle in rear-wheel-drive cars or by lifting off mid-corner. ESC brakes individual wheels to stabilise the car. Experienced drivers correct it by countersteering. Rear-wheel-drive performance cars can oversteer under power, which is why traction and stability control are important on slippery roads. Sudden lift-off oversteer can also happen in front-wheel-drive cars with a light rear end.
How it works
The rear tyres reach their grip limit before the front tyres.
Why it matters for your car
Worn rear tyres or wrong pressures increase the risk. Fitting new tyres on the rear axle is often recommended for stability.
Other terms
- Ambient Lighting
- Battery Module
- Bumper Cover (Bumper Fascia)
- Child Lock (Child Safety Lock)
- Coolant Level Sensor
- DC Fast Charging
- European Accident Statement
- Four-Valve Cylinder Head
- Fuel Rail
- Inductive Sensor
- Multi-link Suspension
- Parasitic Drain
- Reduction Gear (Single-speed Gearbox)
- Seatbelt (Safety Belt)
- Swirl Marks
- Trade-in (Part Exchange)
- Type 2 Connector
- Unsprung Weight
- Voltage Drop Test
- Volumetric Efficiency