Wheeltrack

Wheeltrack, also known as track width, is the transverse distance between the centers of the two wheels on the same axle. It is measured from the center of the left wheel to the center of the right wheel, typically on a level surface and perpendicular to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis. Front and rear wheel tracks may differ, and the overall stance of a vehicle is defined by these track widths. The term is distinct from wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles. Track width is usually given in millimeters or inches in manufacturer specifications.

The wheeltrack affects handling and stability. A wider track generally improves lateral stability and reduces body roll in cornering, while a narrower track can enhance maneuverability and fitment within wheel arches. Track width interacts with the vehicle’s center of gravity, suspension geometry, and tire width; manufacturers may adjust track to balance handling, safety, and packaging. Differences between front and rear track can influence understeer or oversteer characteristics, and some performance cars use staggered or unequal track widths to tune behavior.

Variations in wheeltrack arise from design choices, vehicle class, and suspension layout. Cars, SUVs, and trucks typically have tracks in the range of roughly 1.4 to 1.7 meters for each axle, with wider tracks common on larger or performance-oriented models. Changes to track width can also be achieved indirectly through wheel offsets and rim/tire widths. Measurements and specifications are usually provided by manufacturers and can be important for estimating stability, tire wear patterns, and aftermarket wheel compatibility.