What is the reason for the front wheels not being able to climb the steps when reversing?
2 Answers
It may be a problem with the reversing method; you should approach the steps at an angle. Observe the ground clearance: It is essential to be familiar with your car's ground clearance. You can refer to the vehicle's configuration table or simply measure the height between the side skirts and the ground with a ruler. Being aware of this can help you avoid the danger of scraping the undercarriage. Reasons for tire blowouts: The occurrence of tire blowouts is often due to drivers forcefully driving onto curbs, which can lead to accidents. This action causes the thinnest sidewall of the tire to bear the force, inevitably resulting in a blowout.
I've encountered this issue quite a few times. When reversing up a step, the rear wheels are the driving wheels responsible for pushing the car forward, while the front wheels, acting as follower wheels, lack direct power, making it difficult to effectively transfer the thrust. The slope of the step puts the front wheels in a passive, pushed position. Wheel spin is also common—if the step surface is smooth or muddy, the tire contact points decrease, reducing traction, especially when the front wheels are lightly loaded and the weight shifts backward. If the approach angle is too steep or the step is too high, the front wheels can easily get stuck. Once, while parking outdoors on a step about 15 cm high, my front wheels just wouldn't climb up, and the tires spun and even smoked. Eventually, I gave up and drove forward instead, which was much easier. I advise drivers not to force their way up steps in reverse, as it can damage the suspension and tires. If you must try, choose a low step, operate at low speed, and ensure the ground is clean to increase friction.
