What is Ground Clearance, Curb Weight and Wheelbase in a Car?

Vehicle makes our movement easy and reliable wherever possible. And, there are certain terminologies people should know about vehicles. Knowing parts of vehicles is important to understand the functioning and maintenance. If you want to have some vehicle body parts information such as ground clearance, body roll, wheelbase, Kerb Weight. Stay here and get what you need.

 

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What is Ground Clearance?

 

Ride height is another name for ground clearance which is the most basic general dimensions of a vehicle. Ground clearance is the least distance between the lower end of the vehicle body or chassis and the road. It defines the lowermost part of the vehicle in comparison to the ground. Most of the manufacturers define this dimension in unladen vehicle condition that is a vehicle without any extra load. And, when the vehicle is loaded with cargos and passengers the available ride height is always lower than specified in the actual running condition. It is to be noted that, on bumpy roads, higher ground clearance is always better because it doesn’t scratch the vehicle’s underbelly. The different body type of vehicle has some standard for ground clearance. Car types like Sedans and sports, have very low ground clearance. Whereas SUVs have the highest ride height.

 

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What is Body Roll in a Vehicle?

When your car begins to turn, it is forced to the outside of the corner that causes the car to roll in such a direction. When your car turns to the corner body roll (lean) happens. The vehicle is in constant contact with the ground so always stay on the same level. Sitting on the top of springs attached indirectly to wheels allow the car's body to lean freely. The centrifugal force works here as the same mechanism can be seen in clothes tumble drier.

 

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Like you swing a weight attached around something with a chain, the faster it swings the weight, the more it pulls the centrifugal force builds up. Same happens with a car where it becomes the weight at the time of turning. As the speed increases it pushes forcefully to the outside of the turn increase. Car's suspension results in absorbing force occurring in the body while leaning to outside of the corner. Cars which roll are more comfortable even on terrible roads whereas, less rolling cars are apparently less comfortable but give a great sense of control. Car types such as BMWs offer a more sporty driving experience, so don't lean much in corners.

 

What is Kerb Weight (Curb Weight)?

Any vehicle has this basic specification called Kerb Weight, it can be both two-wheeler and car. It's basically the weight of the vehicle in a running condition which is termed as curb weight named by American manufacturers. While measuring curb weight manufacturers take into account the weight of all consumable items and standard equipment types include engine oil, coolant, brake oil, fuel in the tank. What it doesn't consider is the weight of the passengers and cargo. Though, there is not any universal method for calculating Kerb Weight.

 

Some European manufacturers consider the weight of the driver, for example 80 kg and some countries avoid including the driver's weight. Therefore, the Kerb Weight varies according to the territory as most manufacturers have set their parameters of calculating curb weight. Most manufacturers think that fuel tanks are 50 percent of its total capacity instead of completely filling the tank, whereas, others assume it as 10 percent of capacity.

 

What is Wheelbase?

The wheelbase is a term related to the car that is actually simple to understand and useful to know. It gives crucial information about a car for your needs. A car's wheelbase is the distance between centers of the front and rear wheels. The wheelbase also affects the quality of the car as for most people the interior space of the car is quite relevant. Car with a long wheelbase has spacious and better interior whereas a short wheelbase has less space comparatively. Car designers use a long wheelbase to create an interior that's essentially bug space inside from any hindrance. It allows designers to maximize the space available for both people and things. Luxury cars like Mercedes, BMWs are available with long-wheelbase standard forms. Passengers get more space in rear space and preferred by people who want to have such a comfortable space.

 

Final Words, conclusively you have got the idea about these terminologies about the vehicle. It can help you get the right idea about choosing the right kind of vehicle for you. But don't forget the very first step after buying a car is a car insurance policy with a reputed insurance company.

FAQs

1.What is the ideal ground clearance for an off-road vehicle?

The ideal ground clearance for off-road vehicles ranges from 6.6 to 10.8 inches. The general range for optimal off-road performance is 8-12 inches. Vehicles with such a level of ground clearance will be able to effectively handle obstacles like logs, rocks and uneven surfaces without sustaining damage to the undercarriage.

 

2.How does body roll affect the driving experience?

Body roll can affect the vehicle negatively and can impact the driving experience. It reduces control and affects the grip. The wear and tear of the tyres will be uneven and can be an uncomfortable ride for the passengers. Additionally, it can increase the risk of accidents and delay the steering response.

 

3. Why is curb weight important when choosing a vehicle?

Curb weight is the weight of the vehicle with all its standard equipment and fluids without cargo or passengers. The weight is important as it impacts the fuel efficiency, safety, performance and vehicle handling. So as a result curb weight can influence the overall driving experience and capabilities. 

 

4. How does a wheelbase impact the interior space of a car?

The wheelbase is the distance between the centre of the front wheels and the centre of the rear wheels. Wheelbase can impact the interior of a car, and generally, more interior space in the car allows a larger cabin area.

 

5.What is the purpose of ground clearance?

The ground clearance will provide the driver and the passenger with a smooth ride. When travelling through uneven roads, if the undercarriage is too low, it will create a hassle for the driver and can be an uncomfortable ride. 

 

6. How much ground clearance is good?

Ground clearance standards can vary from region to another. However, the general ground clearance level is 170 mm and is sufficient for driving in the city roads.