Explaining understeer and oversteer

Understeer and oversteer are terms used in motorsports to describe the handling characteristics of a car. Understeer refers to a situation where the front wheels of a car do not have enough grip, causing the car to turn less than intended. Oversteer, on the other hand, refers to a situation where the rear wheels of a car have too much grip, causing the car to turn more than intended.

Both understeer and oversteer can be dangerous in racing, as they can cause a car to lose control and potentially crash. In order to maintain control and optimize lap times, drivers and teams must carefully balance the grip of their car's wheels to prevent understeer or oversteer.

Understeer can be caused by a number of factors, including improper tyre pressure, incorrect suspension setup, or excessive weight on the front of the car. To counter understeer, drivers may adjust their driving technique or make adjustments to the car's setup, such as changing the tyre pressure or altering the suspension.

Oversteer can be caused by a variety of factors as well, including excessive rear tyre grip, improper suspension setup, or a lack of weight on the rear of the car. To counter oversteer, drivers may adjust their driving technique or make adjustments to the car's setup, such as changing the tyre pressure or altering the suspension.

Overall, understeer and oversteer are important considerations in motorsports, as they can greatly impact a car's handling and performance on the track.