What is the turning radius of a car?
2 Answers
The turning radius of a car is 8 to 12 meters. Introduction to minimum turning radius: The minimum turning radius refers to the radius of the trajectory circle rolled by the center of the outer steering wheel on the supporting plane when the steering wheel is turned to its limit position and the car turns at the lowest stable speed. Impact of minimum turning radius on driving: To a large extent, it characterizes the car's ability to pass through narrow and curved areas or to bypass insurmountable obstacles. The smaller the turning radius, the better the car's maneuverability. To ensure that the wheels roll purely without sliding during steering, the size of the minimum turning radius is determined by the vehicle's wheelbase. A longer wheelbase results in a larger turning radius, but vehicles with a longer wheelbase have better driving smoothness.
The turning radius of a small car typically refers to the radius of the circle required for the vehicle's tightest turn, which affects driving flexibility and space requirements. I drive a compact city commuter car with a turning radius of around 5 meters, meaning it can easily navigate narrow alleys or parking lots. For example, my small car has a small turning radius, making it easy to reverse and turn around even in dead-end situations. In contrast, larger SUVs with turning radii exceeding 7 meters can be awkward in poor residential road conditions. The key influencing factor is the vehicle's wheelbase length—shorter wheelbases result in greater agility. Additionally, steering angle and tire width also play a role, but average users don't need to delve too deeply into these details. When choosing a car, I always advise considering daily road conditions, as an overly wide turning radius can cause trouble in older urban areas. Regular maintenance of the steering system is also crucial to prevent unexpected jamming. After years of driving, I've found that while this concept is simple, it directly impacts parking convenience and traffic efficiency.
