Written by Abdelrahman Hamdy Akl
Introduction
Starting our series on car classifications, we will begin by delving into the primary and noteworthy characteristic associated with vehicles - their dimensions. Cars are available in a range of sizes, not limited to just being big or small. They can be wide or narrow, tall or short, with significant ground clearance or closer to the ground, and feature either a long or short wheelbase or body. We will explore each of these aspects and assess their impact on driving behavior and the end result. REX has developed an exclusive algorithm that allows its technicians and car enthusiasts to understand vehicles. This algorithm is employed in this category to determine urban maneuverability and parking suitability, accessibility, and off-road performance. Upon finishing this article, you should be able to observe a car like an animal, from just the exterior and anticipate its movement/ handling.
Width
There is a range of widths available for motor vehicles. Many car enthusiasts and drivers in the United States prefer wider vehicles. Wider vehicles have a more noticeable presence when seen in your rearview mirror. An increase in width always results in a decrease in fuel efficiency. Wider vehicles can handle more weight as they are able to distribute forces more effectively.
From a physics standpoint, this is because downward and lateral forces are spread across a wider perpendicular area, reducing stress on individual vertical components at their connections and joints. Additionally, a vehicle's wide chassis (where the tires meet the road), not the body's width, contributes to a smoother ride, quicker braking, and less body lean. Refer to the graphics below for further reference.
It comes as no shock then, that many truck and trailer owners or automotive enthusiasts boost their vehicle's width by adding wheel spacers or dually hubs to accommodate the higher forces that their vehicles experience.
Many also try to artificially boost the slim look on stock cars by adding aero kits or body kits that give a wider appearance to the car that may also improve aerodynamics
When considering width as a drawback, an increase in vehicle width results in slower handling and wider turns compared to a narrower vehicle. This is due to the need for larger steering components that operate on a wider track, as well as a longer axle or wider tread pattern geometrically required by the increased width.
Here is a typical animated explanation of how steering operates in your car. Consider that if the steering components are wider, it will require more time to turn the vehicle within the desired input.
Here is a chart showing the width of some of the cars found on our roads.
Case Study: 2019 Smart Fortwo
Known for its exceptional maneuverability, the Smart car, manufactured by a division of Mercedes, features an impressively small turning radius.
By comparing it to a nearby Acura MDX, you can truly grasp the narrowness of this car. This dimension is where the smart car excels the most. Making slight adjustments to its width can greatly improve the turning radius, enhancing the car's ability to navigate turns smoothly.
Many drivers are able to perform u-turns with remarkable precision. The car's compact length enables numerous owners to park parallel and perpendicular in tight city spaces like NYC, while its narrow width, as shown in the graphic above, significantly improves its turning capabilities.
View the videos below to see the impressive tight turning radius of the Smart car. Observe how the NYPD uses these cars' turning radius to patrol narrow pedestrian and bike paths and piers. One can only speculate about the low unladen weight of this vehicle. It has limited utility beyond maneuvering well-paved city streets with the weight of two individuals and their belongings.
If you are interested in speaking with an automotive professional about your vehicle's width feel free to reach out to a professional at REX Mobile Auto Services. We always come to you in NYC.
Tune In Next Time
We'll discuss how length is one of the best ways to classify vehicles and how it is frequently misunderstood when looking at vehicle classes.
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