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What is Over Steer and Under Steer?

There is a technical definition and the real world one to explain what is under steer and over steer. The technical definition of under steer is when the front Tyres have a greater slip angle than the rear tyres. Over steer is when the rear tyres have a greater slip angle than the front tyres.

Under Steer

In real world terms, under steer is when the car won’t turn any sharper, even if the steering wheel is turned more. At some point, the front end may start to grip less even when the steering is turned sharply and the result is the car continues in more of a straight line than a sharp turn. That is under steer.

Over Steer

Over steer is when the car’s rear tyres lose grip in a turn while the front tyres are still gripping. If the rear end starts to slide out from under you in a turn, that is over steer.

Stock production cars are made to have under steer. In most of the countries the legal system tends to blame the car

manufacturer If the car does a 180 degree before smashing into a wall while if the car can’t turn sharp and crunches head on into the wall, then it is the drivers fault.

How to avoid over steer & under steer

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Tyres - Make sure that all the tyres have good tread and are at the correct pressure.

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Roads – Be aware of camber changes and uneven road surfaces as these can upset the vehicle setup. Different types of road surfaces offer different types of grips.

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Weather – Wet or damp weather is tricky, as it makes roads extremely slippery.

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Speed – Above all drive at appropriate speeds and leave sensible distances between the other vehicle.

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Stability – Keep the vehicle as stable as possible. Avoid sudden, sharp changes to throttle, brakes or steering as this would unsettle the car. If possible aim to change the gear and brake before the car enters a bend, so that the car can accelerate out.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYRES