What’s the Difference Between Oversteer and Understeer?

What do you know about oversteer and understeer? Do you know the difference between them? The way that a car handles is based on two different types of steering behaviors: oversteering and understeering. Our team at Genesis of Annapolis believes that understanding these terms will help make sure that your vehicle stays safe in all kinds of driving conditions in Annapolis, MD.

Oversteer is a car's tendency to continue changing its direction after you have already tried to turn. It feels as if the rear end of your vehicle is sliding away from where you are going, and it can be a very uncomfortable feeling. If this happens at speed, then it can be dangerous – especially since oversteer tends to happen so suddenly.

Understeer is a car's tendency to continue straight even though you've turned the wheel. This is often referred to as "plowing" and it feels like you're going in a straight line when you're actually turning. When your vehicle understeers you might feel as if the front of your car is sliding away from where you want to go.