How does weight transfer affect cornering?

In cornering, weight transfer plays a critical role in vehicle dynamics, influencing stability and grip. When a vehicle enters a turn, the centrifugal force acts upon it, causing weight to shift towards the outside wheels. This process can indeed lead to instability, especially if the vehicle is pushed beyond its limits. When the weight is biased toward the outside wheels, those tires may take on a greater load while the inside tires could lose some of their grip due to the reduced weight pressing down on them. This shift can result in understeer (where the vehicle tends to go straight) or oversteer (where the rear of the vehicle slides out).

Understanding this concept helps drivers navigate turns more confidently and maintain better vehicle control by anticipating how their vehicle's weight distribution will change during cornering. Recognizing the importance of weight transfer allows a driver to manage speed effectively, make smoother steering inputs, and utilize the tires' grip efficiently to maintain stability while cornering.