What effect does the rear wheel path have during vehicle turns?

During vehicle turns, the rear wheels typically follow a shorter path than the front wheels due to the geometry of the vehicle. When a vehicle turns, the front wheels pivot around a central point, and as a result, the rear wheels have a tighter turning radius. This is because the front wheels turn at an angle to navigate the corner, and while the front wheels carve out a specific arc, the rear wheels—being further back—complete the turn on a shorter arc.

This principle is especially important for drivers to understand as it affects maneuvering in tight spaces, such as parking lots or around corners. It helps in accurately judging how much space is needed to complete a turn without encroaching on adjacent lanes or obstacles. Understanding this can also be critical for safely navigating turns with different types of vehicles, especially larger ones where the difference in path between the front and rear wheels can be more pronounced.