stuurverzet

Stuurverzet is a Dutch term used in automotive engineering to describe the steering ratio or the amount of steering input required to produce a corresponding steering angle of the front wheels. It captures how sensitive the steering system is to the driver’s inputs and is a key parameter for vehicle handling.

In practice, stuurverzet is defined as the relationship between the steering wheel movement and the resulting wheel angle. It is often expressed as a ratio: the steering wheel angle divided by the wheel angle. A smaller ratio indicates that a small turn of the wheel yields a larger turn of the wheels, i.e., a more responsive, quicker steering feel. Conversely, a larger ratio yields slower, more gradual steering. Modern systems may feature a fixed stuurverzet or a variable (or adaptive) stuurverzet that changes with steering angle or driving conditions.

Stuurverzet is implemented through the vehicle’s steering system components, which can include a steering column, a steering gear (such as rack-and-pinion or recirculating ball), linkages, and, in many cars, power-assisted elements. Hydraulics or electric power assistance can affect the effective feel and effort required, but the underlying ratio still governs how wheel angle responds to input. Electric power steering (EPS) and electronically controlled systems can also adjust the apparent stuurverzet to suit driving modes or speed.

The choice of stuurverzet influences handling characteristics, including response speed, precision, and stability at speed. Sports cars typically use a lower, more direct ratio for quick responses, while luxury or high-speed models may employ a higher ratio for greater stability and smoother steering.