What is Wheelbase?
1 Answers
Wheelbase refers to the distance between the center of the front axle and the center of the rear axle of a vehicle. It is measured as the distance between two vertical lines passing through the centers of adjacent wheels on the same side of the vehicle and perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal symmetry plane. For locomotives or other rail vehicles, wheelbase is further categorized into rigid wheelbase, bogie wheelbase, and total wheelbase. The total wheelbase, which is the distance from the foremost axle to the rearmost axle, is a key parameter affecting the "turntable length" of a train. From a design perspective, wheelbase is a crucial parameter closely related to a vehicle's performance. It determines the position of the vehicle's center of gravity. Therefore, any change in the wheelbase necessitates a complete redesign, particularly for the dimensions of the drivetrain and body sections, as well as adjustments to the parameters of springs and shock absorbers in the suspension system and the dimensions of the steering linkage in the steering system. Additionally, altering the wheelbase affects the distribution of axle loads between the front and rear axles, requiring consideration of these factors' impact on the vehicle's braking performance, handling, and ride comfort. Consequently, the wheelbase is always listed in a vehicle's technical specifications, underscoring its significant reference value. In practical use, the length of the wheelbase directly influences the overall length of the vehicle, thereby affecting the interior space. For example, microcars typically have a wheelbase of less than 2200mm, resulting in limited legroom in the rear seats.
