Wheelspin

Wheelspin is the condition in which driven wheels rotate faster than the vehicle's forward speed, causing a loss of traction with the road surface. It typically occurs when engine torque exceeds the available grip between tire and pavement, such as during aggressive acceleration, downshifting, or starting on low-friction surfaces.

Causes include high engine torque relative to the friction between tire and road, slippery surfaces (ice, water, snow, loose gravel), worn or mismatched tires, and weight transfer during acceleration. Drivetrain design matters: open differentials favor wheelspin by sending torque to the path of least resistance, while limited-slip differentials or torque-vectoring systems can reduce or exploit spin.

Effects: wheelspin reduces acceleration efficiency, increases tire wear and heat, and may lead to loss of steering control or drivetrain stress. In racing or controlled launches, drivers may allow limited wheelspin through torque management or tire choice to achieve a favorable acceleration, but excessive spin is undesirable.

Measurement and mitigation: modern vehicles use wheel speed sensors, ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control to detect and reduce wheelspin. Mitigation methods include improving traction via proper tires and pressures, using limited-slip or electronically controlled differentials, adjusting throttle input, and, in performance cars, employing launch control or torque-vectoring systems.

See also: wheel slip, traction control, differential, tire traction.