What is the effect of abrupt steering through the apex compared to smooth input?

• A. Abrupt steering increases grip and speeds them up.
• B. Smooth steering reduces tire wear and maintains grip; abrupt steering causes tire scrubbing and slower exit.
• C. Abrupt steering reduces drag.
• D. Smooth steering has no effect on grip.

Answer: (B)

Steering input through a turn changes the tire’s direction and how much the tire has to slip laterally. Smooth, progressive steering keeps the tires in a stable grip window as you pass the apex, allowing the tires to maintain traction and transition cleanly onto the exit. Abrupt steering forces a rapid change in direction, creating a large slip angle and a lot of tire scrubbing against the road. That scrubbing wastes traction as heat builds up and the tires wear faster, so grip drops and the car exits more slowly. So, smooth steering preserves grip and reduces tire wear, while abrupt steering damages both grip and exit speed.