Understeer
Understeer happens when the front tyres lose grip and the car turns less than the driver intends, pushing wide in a corner.
What is Understeer?
Most road cars are designed to understeer slightly at the limit because it is easier to control. It often happens when entering a corner too fast. ESC brakes individual wheels to help correct it. Front-wheel-drive cars tend to understeer when too much power is applied in a corner, because the front tyres have to steer and drive at the same time. Driver training on a skid pan helps drivers feel the limit safely.
How it works
The front tyres reach their grip limit before the rear tyres.
Why it matters for your car
Reduce speed gently and avoid adding more steering. Worn or underinflated front tyres increase understeer.
Other terms
- Agreed Value Insurance
- Brake Fluid Level Sensor
- Connector Corrosion
- Dielectric Grease
- E10 Petrol
- Engine Displacement (Engine Capacity)
- EV Tyres
- Fuel Pump
- Head-up Display (HUD)
- Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
- Respray (Refinish)
- Reversing Camera
- Roll Cage
- Roof Rails
- Start-stop System
- SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
- Thermistor (Temperature Sensor)
- TPMS Relearn (Sensor Learning)
- Tyre Bead
- Wiper Blade