What Is Cornering In Driving?
Cornering refers to driving a car around a corner, curve, or bend. It is the ability of a vehicle to deal with the bend or corners on a road. Cornering also involves a measurement of the force exerted on the vehicle’s center of gravity, known as Lateral Acceleration, which is quantified in G-forces. Higher G-forces mean the vehicle can absorb more force, translating to greater cornering power​​.
Cornering is a fundamental skill in driving, but it’s more complex than it appears at first glance. When a vehicle corners, it loses stability and demands more from the tire grip. This demand increases with speed and the tightness of the bend.
What Is the Proper Cornering Technique for a Car?
The proper cornering technique for a car involves slowing it down before entering the turn and steering smoothly into the corner. Then gradually accelerate out of the turn once the apex (the tightest part of the corner) has been reached. Make sure to take a corner from the outside in. Maintaining a balanced speed and using smooth steering inputs is important to ensure stability and control throughout the maneuver.
Difference Between Cornering and Handling
The terms ‘cornering’ and ‘handling,’ often discussed together, refer to different aspects of a vehicle’s performance.
Cornering specifically refers to how a vehicle behaves and performs when making turns around corners, curves, or bends. It focuses on the vehicle’s ability to maintain stability and grip on the road during these maneuvers.
The emphasis in cornering is on the lateral forces acting on the car as it navigates a turn. This includes aspects like tire grip, suspension response, and the car’s balance as it undergoes lateral acceleration (G-forces).
Handling encompasses a broader range of vehicle dynamics, including how the car responds to various inputs given by the driver (such as steering, acceleration, and braking) and conditions (like road surface, weather, and load).
What Is Meant By Hard Cornering?
Hard cornering refers to the practice of taking turns or corners at higher speeds than normal, often pushing the vehicle to its limits in terms of tire grip and balance. In hard cornering, the vehicle experiences greater lateral forces (side-to-side forces), which challenge the stability and traction of the car.
Hard cornering requires advanced vehicle capabilities, driver skills, and a good quality tire having sufficient lateral grip to maintain control under the high lateral forces encountered during such maneuvers. High-performance tires usually have greater lateral grip. Racers often use them in sports cars as they need hard cornering during racing.
Is Hard Cornering Bad for Your Car?
Hard cornering can be hard on your car. It exerts extra stress on various components such as tires, brakes, suspension, and steering systems. Over time, this can lead to increased wear and tear and potentially reduce the overall lifespan of these parts.