Understeer and oversteer are terms used to describe how a moving vehicle takes turns.
Understeer is when the vehicle doesn’t turn as much as it needs to or feels like it should—you have to turn the steering wheel more than you’d expect.
Oversteer is when a vehicle turns more than you want it to—it seems extra sensitive to steering.
Read on for the longer answer and an explanation of how oversteering and understeering happen, and how it might affect your choice of vehicle when buying a new or used car.
In this article, you’ll find answers to the following FAQs and common concerns about oversteer and understeer:
What are oversteer and understeer?
What causes a vehicle to understeer?
What causes you to oversteer?
Which is better, oversteer or understeer?
Which vehicles are more likely to over or understeer?
What that means for your choice of vehicle when buying a car
Here’s what you need to know.
Oversteer and understeer are terms used to describe a vehicle’s response to steering and sensitivity to changes in steering angle when combined with acceleration. Basically, they describe what happens when something doesn’t go quite right when you’re turning.
Understeer happens when your vehicle loses traction on its front wheels and doesn’t turn as much as you expect it to. It looks like going straight when you want to turn, or taking an extra wide turn. As an example, understeering might happen if you start accelerating too early while turning, in which case you’d need to gently slow your acceleration.
Oversteer happens when you lose traction on the back wheels of your vehicle and it turns too much, with the back of the vehicle swinging out further than you might want it to. It looks like turning more than necessary, or “drifting.” For example, you might end up oversteering if you take a turn too fast or brake sharply, in which case, you’d need to steer against the slide—similar to what you’d do if you found yourself sliding on ice or hydroplaning.
That’s contextual! Oversteer is sometimes considered better for performance driving, like racing, because it allows the vehicle to make sharper turns and more easily accelerate out of a turn.
However, for general driving on public roads, understeer is preferred, because it’s safer than spinning out on the road. If you panic while understeering, you’ll likely go straight forward, meaning any collisions are typically taken by the front of the car, which is designed to take more impact.
Oversteering and understeering are caused by how weight is distributed in a vehicle and tire condition.
Rear wheel drive vehicles, like sports cars, are more likely to oversteer, while front wheel drive vehicles, like most common sedans and hatchbacks, are more likely to understeer. AWD and 4WD vehicles vary, with some modern models built to mitigate either effect, but they generally tend toward understeering too.
Smooth driving, especially when turning, and making sure you have the right tires for your roads (kept in good shape!) are the best way to avoid under or oversteering.
If you’re worried about having a vehicle that’s prone to understeering or oversteering, here’s what you need to know.
Understeer is generally safer, so you probably don’t want a sports car or other rear wheel drive vehicle if you’re concerned.
Choosing the right tires is as important as the make and model of your chosen vehicle.
Driving safely and smoothly is a good way to generally avoid either effect under most circumstances, especially if you have well-maintained, weather-appropriate tires.
Keeping your vehicle well-maintained so you know if anything isn’t quite right can also help and is always a good idea.
You can look into any specific models you’re considering buying before signing to find out if they have a known tendency to over or understeer.
Bonus tip: If you’re thinking about buying a vehicle, read our guide to dealership markups and negotiate to get a better rate.
Use this quick and handy guide to stay a little safer on the road and understand the mechanics of what happens when a vehicle understeers or oversteers.
We’re Auto Approve, by the way. Auto Approve is your auto loan refinance partner, helping you find the best rate available to you and handling the paperwork to make lowering your monthly car payment quick and easy. Whether you’re thinking about a new vehicle or locked into a loan, when you’re ready to refinance, Auto Approve can help.
