What is the reason for the front wheels not being able to climb the steps when reversing?

[ParkerFitz]

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.

[StRose]

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.

[OAmir]

I've also experienced situations where the front wheels got stuck on a curb and couldn't climb up while reversing. The key issue lies in the power distribution of the vehicle: the rear wheels, being the driven wheels, provide thrust, while the front wheels are merely being pushed, making it difficult to gain sufficient traction on the slope of the curb. If the curb is too high or uneven, the tires may slip due to insufficient friction. Additionally, weight transfer plays a role—when reversing, the center of gravity shifts backward, reducing the pressure on the front wheels and leading to inadequate grip. Personally, I think this is a normal phenomenon, similar to pushing a cart uphill where the rear wheels climb easily but the front wheels struggle. From my experience, it's best to assess the curb height before parking; generally, if it exceeds 10 cm, it's better not to force it. Trying to approach it forward first is often easier. If parking on a city roadside, look for a flatter spot and reverse directly into it rather than forcing the climb.

[Tiffany]

I've tried reversing up steps while off-roading, but the front wheels always slip and can't make it. The core issue is insufficient friction: the steep angle of the steps reduces tire contact area and grip. Additionally, with the front wheels being non-driven, the rear wheels' thrust isn't effectively transmitted. Simply put, the thrust isn't properly aligned against the step. Smooth steps or worn tire treads on older vehicles exacerbate the problem. Switching to a straight approach solved it.