What does the departure angle of a car mean?

[AngeloRose]

The departure angle of a car is the angle between the tangent line drawn from the lowest point at the rear end of the car to the outer edge of the rear wheel and the ground. The departure angle refers to the angle between the tangent line drawn from the protruding point at the rear of the car to the rear wheel and the road surface when the car is fully loaded and stationary. It is the maximum angle between the horizontal plane and the plane tangent to the outer edge of the vehicle's rear wheel tire (under static load). When a car moves from a slope with a gradient greater than the approach angle to flat ground, its rear will come into contact with the slope. The departure angle of a car characterizes its ability to avoid collisions when leaving obstacles such as small hills or ditches. The larger the departure angle, the better the car's off-road capability.

[LeAngelo]

As an off-road enthusiast, I often drive on rugged terrain. The departure angle refers to the maximum angle at which the rear of the car lifts when exiting a downhill slope. It determines how steep a slope I can drive without scraping the chassis or rear bumper. For example, when driving a Jeep, a vehicle with a larger departure angle can safely navigate rocky terrain, while a smaller one might damage the differential or exhaust system. Together with the approach angle and breakover angle, it significantly impacts the vehicle's overall off-road capability, making it super critical for off-roading. When buying a car, it's essential to check this parameter—vehicles with 20 degrees or more are generally better suited for adventure. In actual driving, I measure the angle in advance when encountering steep slopes to avoid risky rollovers. A design that maintains a high departure angle offers more flexibility and fewer headaches during outdoor exploration, but it's less relevant for city driving where roads are flat. In short, understanding this can save you a lot of repair troubles.

[VonNevaeh]

When I first learned to drive, I was quite unfamiliar with the departure angle. Later, I understood that it refers to the angle at which the rear of the car clears the ground when descending a slope. Simply put, it's how high the car's rear can be lifted without scraping the ground. For example, driving an urban SUV, I usually don't encounter major issues on small slopes. However, when traveling on rough roads in the countryside, paying attention to this parameter is crucial to avoid damaging the chassis. Especially on muddy roads during rainy days, cars with a low departure angle can get stuck if driven too fast. When checking car specifications, remember to consult the manual; generally, sedans may have less than 10 degrees, while off-road vehicles can exceed 20 degrees. A friend of mine had to repair the rear bumper several times due to neglecting this. Reminding myself to regularly maintain tires and the suspension system can indirectly maintain a good departure angle. In short, safety comes first when driving, and understanding this can be very useful in minor emergencies.

[EvelynLynn]

As a driver, I've noticed that the departure angle refers to the maximum angle at which the rear of the car can leave a slope without scraping the chassis. It's crucial in off-roading, such as when descending steep slopes where the rear wheels might lift off the ground, measuring this value. Vehicles with a low departure angle are more prone to damage on rough roads, while those with a higher angle are more durable. It's rarely used in everyday driving but becomes critical in emergencies. Maintaining good vehicle condition helps preserve this safety angle.