Aliohjaus

Aliohjaus, often translated as "understeer" in English, is a phenomenon in vehicle dynamics where a car tends to turn less sharply than the driver intends. This occurs when the front tires lose traction before the rear tires. When a driver attempts to turn the steering wheel, the front wheels are angled to change the vehicle's direction. If the forces acting on the tires exceed their available grip, they will slide sideways. In the case of aliohjaus, the slip angle of the front tires becomes too large, causing them to scrub rather than effectively guide the vehicle.

This behavior is more pronounced in front-wheel-drive vehicles due to the weight distribution and the fact that the front wheels are responsible for both steering and propulsion. However, it can also occur in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, particularly at higher speeds or during aggressive cornering. Drivers often experience aliohjaus as the feeling that the car is pushing wide, or not turning in as sharply as expected. To counteract aliohjaus, a driver might reduce their speed, ease off the throttle, or slightly reduce the steering angle. In some cases, a gentle application of the brakes can also help shift weight to the front tires, restoring some of their grip. Modern vehicles often have electronic stability control systems designed to detect and correct aliohjaus, enhancing safety.