oversteered

Oversteered is a term used in vehicle dynamics to describe a condition where a vehicle's rear wheels lose traction and begin to slide outwards. This typically occurs during a turn when the driver applies too much steering input or excessive throttle for the given speed and road conditions. The rear of the car will then begin to rotate around its vertical axis, moving towards the outside of the turn.

This phenomenon is the opposite of understeer, where the front wheels lose traction. Oversteer can be a challenging situation to correct, as it requires a skilled driver to counter-steer effectively. Counter-steering involves turning the steering wheel in the direction of the slide to regain control. Improper correction can exacerbate the situation, leading to a spin.

Factors that can contribute to oversteer include high vehicle speed, sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, worn tires, and modifications that alter the vehicle's weight distribution or suspension. Some high-performance vehicles are designed with a tendency towards oversteer to improve agility and offer a more dynamic driving experience, but this requires a higher level of driver skill. In everyday driving, oversteer is often an indication that the driver has approached the limits of the vehicle's traction or their own ability to control it safely.