In a car, front track and rear track refer to fundamental measurements of the vehicle's width relative to its wheels, directly influencing stability and handling.
Axle track, often simply called track, is a crucial dimension in vehicle design. According to the reference provided, axle track normally refers to the distance between the centerline of the wheels on a specific axle. While terms like "wheel track" or "track width" might be used colloquially, the precise definition centers on this measurement between the wheel centers.
For a vehicle with two axles – a front axle and a rear axle – this measurement is specifically referred to as front track and rear track.
Understanding Front Track and Rear Track
Essentially, front track is the distance measured from the center of the tread pattern of one front wheel to the center of the tread pattern of the other front wheel. Similarly, rear track is the same measurement taken between the two rear wheels.
This dimension is different from the overall width of the vehicle, which includes fenders, mirrors, and other body components. Track specifically relates to the stance of the wheels on the ground.
Why is Track Important?
The front and rear track widths significantly impact a car's performance and characteristics:
- Stability: A wider track (both front and rear) generally leads to greater lateral stability, making the vehicle less prone to rolling over, especially when cornering.
- Handling: The difference between the front and rear track widths (track difference) affects a car's handling balance, influencing whether it tends towards understeer or oversteer.
- Design & Packaging: Track width dictates the minimum width required for the vehicle's body and is a key consideration in suspension and drivetrain design.
Visualizing Track
Imagine looking at a car directly from the front or the back. The distance between the points where the wheels touch the ground's centerline represents the track for that axle.
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Front Track | Distance between the centerlines of the front wheels |
| Rear Track | Distance between the centerlines of the rear wheels |
Key Takeaway
Front track and rear track are vital specifications describing the width between the wheels on the front and rear axles, respectively, measured from their centerlines. They are distinct from overall vehicle width and play a critical role in determining a car's stability and handling characteristics.
