Why cars go around corners

 

Following on from Bob’s talk, John spoke about why cars go around corners. John studied Engineering at University and spent his working life in the automotive industry. John explained about the lateral forces developed when the car is turning.  What must be avoided is the slip angle being exceeded and the vehicle slides uncontrolled. Understeer and the vehicle will go straight ahead. Oversteer and the vehicle will tend to slide. It is essential to have good tyres to withstand the lateral forces. Bob Cracknell commented that he once fitted new tyres to the front of his racing car, but not to the back. The first corner showed him the error of his ways.