Understeer
Understeer happens when a vehicle's front wheels are tracing a larger arc in a turn than the rear wheels. This is often described as "push" or "pushing" - as the front end feels like it is ploughing off the corner. Further acceleration only compounds the push, as weight shifts back to the rear drive wheels and off the front turning wheels, leading to a further lessening of the car's ability to turn in. Understeer can be remedied by slight modulation in throttle to transfer weight forward to the front wheels, aiding their traction and ability to negotiate the turn.
Many cars are designed to have a tendency to understeer. If the driver gets uncomfortable and "lifts" off the gas, that will cause the front end to tighten the curve - a relatively safer, and more predictable condition.
Compare with oversteer
Referenced By
Vehicle dynamics
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