What is the center of gravity and how does its height influence braking stability and cornering?

• A. The center of gravity is the average mass location of the vehicle; a higher CG increases pitch and roll, reducing braking stability and cornering grip; a lower CG improves stability and grip.
• B. The center of gravity is the point where tires contact the road.
• C. CG height has no effect on braking stability.
• D. CG affects engine performance only.

Answer: (A)

The center of gravity is the point where the vehicle’s mass can be considered to act, and its height from the ground matters because it governs how the car tilts and transfers weight during dynamic maneuvers. When you brake, inertia pushes the car forward and weight shifts toward the front. A higher center of gravity makes the car pitch and roll more, magnifying this weight transfer and making the rear lighter sooner, which can reduce braking stability and feel less controlled. A lower center of gravity keeps the weight closer to the road, minimizes body motion, and helps the tires maintain a more even load, improving braking stability and feel.

In a turn, centrifugal forces push the car outward and cause body roll. A tall CG increases roll, which unloads the inner tires and reduces the effective grip of the outer tires, raising the risk of losing control or tipping in extreme cases. A low CG reduces roll and preserves more consistent tire contact, enhancing cornering grip and stability.

The other statements aren’t correct because the center of gravity is not the tire contact point, CG height does affect braking stability, and CG influences handling—not just engine performance.