What Does a Car's Turning Radius Mean?
1 Answers
The turning radius of a car refers to the radius of the circular path traced by the outer front wheel when the steering wheel is turned to its maximum position. The turning radius is determined by factors such as the car's wheelbase, track width, and the steering angle of the wheels. It is selected during the design phase based on the vehicle type, purpose, road conditions, structural characteristics, and dimensions like wheelbase. The turning radius indicates the car's ability to navigate through narrow, curved areas or to maneuver around insurmountable obstacles. A smaller turning radius means better maneuverability; a longer wheelbase results in a larger turning radius, while a shorter wheelbase leads to a relatively smaller turning radius. When turning, a vehicle may sometimes fail to complete the turn in one attempt due to factors such as: 1. Narrow roads or sharp curves; 2. Insufficient turning radius of the vehicle; 3. The driver's choice of turning path; 4. Human operational factors.