Importance of Car Wheelbase

Designing a car is essential, especially when it comes to the wheelbase. This central structure serves as the foundation for any vehicle and its design can differ from one manufacturer or road condition to another. However, regardless of these variables, there are basic principles that always apply. To help you understand all your options when constructing a car's wheelbase, we have created this comprehensive guide! 

WHAT IS THE WHEELBASE OF A CAR?

The wheels of a vehicle are connected by the wheelbase - a horizontal distance between its rear and back axle. By evenly distributing weight, this component helps lessen strain on axles while allowing it to carry heavier loads efficiently. As such, the wheelbase determines how much load capacity any given car is capable of handling.

IMPORTANCE OF CAR WHEELBASE

Wheelbase determines the weight distribution of your vehicle, thus it is a crucial element for steering control and wheel balance. If you do not take into account the size or load capacity when selecting a wheelbase, the car will cease to function properly. Additionally, there are several other key roles that this component serves in order to ensure optimal performance and safety. 

RIDE QUALITY

The wheelbase of a car is an integral factor in determining its quality, as it has a direct influence on the vehicle's drivability and handling. Cars with shorter wheelbases tend to pitch and roll more easily during motion, which can lead to unpleasant shocks being transferred through axle jumps. That's why luxury cars often feature longer wheelbases for increased comfort while driving. 

INTERIOR SPACE

With a longer wheelbase, the cabin is elevated for additional space and legroom. This luxury feature can be found in many high-end vehicles, as well as taxis that use larger models. The bigger interior gives you even more comfort when driving or riding in your car of choice.  

COMFORT RATIO

The longer wheelbase of a car is the key to providing an enjoyable ride. As the front and rear axles cross over bumps, this creates less pressure on the underside of your vehicle, thus reducing its impact and increasing comfort for passengers. Through this process, you can expect your overall level of comfort to greatly improve when traveling by car.

TORQUE STABILITY

The short wheelbase is unable to support the hefty torque produced by engines, thereby risking a front-wheel takeoff with extreme power. For that reason, robust petrol and diesel motors demand a longer wheelbase for optimal stability. 

WHEELBASE TO LENGTH RATIO

To guarantee a superior and comfortable driving experience, the ratio between wheelbase length and overall car length must be maintained. For more commodious cabin space, the fraction of wheelbase should exceed that of the general automobile size. The same goes for 4WD vehicles; you will need a shorter wheelbase to make sure it runs properly off-road. Take a look at this comparison chart below which pits luxury cars against sedans in terms of their respective wheelbase lengths!

HOW TO MEASURE ERROR IN CAR WHEELBASE 

Do you suspect an issue with your vehicle? To get a precise account of the situation, you should measure its wheelbase. Don't make the mistake of incorrectly measuring directly from wheel to wheel – take our advice and follow this step-by-step process for accurate results.