What Do Front Overhang and Rear Overhang Refer To?
2 Answers
The meanings of front overhang and rear overhang in automobiles are as follows: 1. The front overhang and rear overhang of a car constitute a shock absorption system. The front overhang refers to the horizontal distance from the center of the front wheel to the front end of the car. The length of the front overhang should be sufficient to secure and install the engine, radiator, steering gear, etc.; 2. The rear overhang of a car is the distance between the vertical plane passing through the centerline of the last wheel axle and the vertical plane touching the rearmost part of the vehicle (including towing devices, license plates, and any rigid components fixed at the rear of the vehicle) and perpendicular to the longitudinal symmetry plane of the vehicle. Simply put, it is the horizontal distance from the center of the rear wheel to the rearmost part of the car; 3. The length of the rear overhang mainly depends on the length of the passenger compartment, the wheelbase, and the distribution of miscellaneous loads. The rear overhang should not be too long; otherwise, the departure angle will be too small, and the turning will not be flexible; 4. Therefore, Chinese regulations stipulate that the rear overhang of buses and enclosed vehicles must not exceed 65% of the wheelbase, and the rear overhang of other vehicles must not exceed 55% of the wheelbase.
Front suspension and rear suspension refer to the positions of a car's suspension system, with the front suspension located at the front wheels and the rear suspension at the rear wheels. When I drive, I often think about this component because it directly affects driving smoothness and handling. For example, the front suspension handles steering vibrations, while the rear suspension bears weight impacts. Common types include MacPherson strut or torsion beam setups, varying across different car models. Family cars often use simpler structures for comfort, while sports models may reinforce support to enhance cornering stability. I’ve also noticed that the suspension absorbs shocks on bumpy roads, reducing body sway, which is especially important for long-distance travel, particularly in mountainous areas where performance differences become more apparent. It’s advisable to regularly inspect suspension bushings or aging springs to avoid unusual noises or loss of control risks. Timely maintenance can extend lifespan and improve safety.
