Onderstuur

Onderstuur is a Dutch term that translates to "under steer" in English and refers to a vehicle's tendency to turn less sharply than the driver intends. This phenomenon occurs when the front wheels lose traction before the rear wheels, causing the vehicle to push wide of the desired turning path. Understeer is a common characteristic of many front-wheel-drive vehicles due to the weight distribution and the forces acting on the tires during a turn.

When a car understeers, the driver will feel the steering wheel become lighter and the vehicle will continue on a straighter trajectory than anticipated. This can be a safety concern, particularly in emergency situations where precise maneuvering is required. To correct understeer, a driver can reduce their speed, ease off the throttle, or slightly decrease the steering angle. Over-correction can lead to oversteer, where the rear of the car loses traction.

Factors influencing understeer include vehicle design, tire condition and pressure, road surface conditions, and driving technique. Many modern vehicles are designed with electronic stability control systems that actively intervene to mitigate understeer and help maintain vehicle control. Understanding understeer is crucial for safe driving, allowing drivers to anticipate and react appropriately to their vehicle's behavior.