Lift off oversteer

Lift off oversteer is a phenomenon which can occur when reducing the throttle mid corner. This will only happen when driving close to the limit so only experiment when on the track! Sporty front wheel drive drive cars can be especially prone to this due to the heavy front end and light rear. Reducing the throttle input results in a forward weight transfer, which increases the grip at the front tyres, but reduces levels at the rear. If this is performed during cornering, the combination of the heavy front end and the reduction of grip can cause the rear wheels to break traction and start to slide towards the outside of the corner.

In the image below the driver of a front engined car lifts off the throttle mid corner at A which results in lift-off oversteer at B due to a forwards weight transfer.



Luckily, lift off oversteer can usually be corrected by reapplying the throttle and accelerating. This should pull the front of the car forwards and straighten out the car, but continuing to reduce throttle application can cause the car to spin. Steering in the direction of the intended direction of travel will help keep the car on track.

For more information on oversteer, click here