Q How does the centre of gravity of a vehicle affect braking efficiencies?
Page 91
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A The Higher the centre of gravity, the
greater the transfer of weight from the rear axle TO the front axle when the vehicle is braked_ The ldeal braking system would automatically adjust the braking force applied to each wheel according to changes in dynamic loading; an anti-locking device fitted to all the wheels would in effect give this very desirable characteristic.
When a vehicle is travelling on a curve, weight is transferred from the inner to the outer wheels by centrifugal force to an extent depending upon the height of the centre of gravity and, if the brakes are applied, there is also a transfer of weight from rear to front on the diagonal between the inner rear wheel to tne outer front wheel. A dangerous transient condition can be crested during "kick-back" when the vehicle straightens out as it leaves the curve this is made worse by heavy braking.