Breakover angle

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breakover angle

What is a breakover angle?

Breakover angle is the maximum angle a car can pass over a peak. The front and back wheels have to be on different sides, and the peak can’t touch the underside of the car.

Think of it as driving up one side of a pyramid and down the other – a higher breakover angle will stop you from grounding out at the top.

Approach, departure and breakover angles work together with ground clearance (the distance between the road and the underside) and play into a vehicle’s ability to tackle challenging off-road terrain.

Related Jargon

What is a departure angle?

Departure angle is the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without the rear bumper or undercarriage touching the ground.

What is wading depth?

Wading depth is the maximum depth of water a vehicle can safely drive through without risking water damage.

What is a 4x4 car?

A 4x4 car is one that is fitted with four-wheel drive, which means that the power created by the engine is sent to all four wheels.

What is all-wheel drive?

An all-wheel-drive (AWD) system sends the power of the engine to both the front and rear wheels all the time so if one or more wheels is stuck, or can’t get any grip on the road, the other wheels are still driving the car forward.

What is hill descent control and how does it work?

Hill descent control is a driver-assistance system that enables a car – usually an SUV – to go down a hill off-road without the driver having to use the brakes.

What is an approach angle?

A car's approach angle is the maximum angle of incline it can approach or climb without it making contact with the ground.

What is ground clearance?

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle's undercarriage and the ground.

What is an SUV?

Sport utility vehicle - or SUV - a type of car fitted with four-wheel drive, which was built for use off-road.

How does anti-lock braking system work?

Anti-lock braking systems (known as ABS) automatically kick in when a car’s wheels start to slip while braking.

What is rear wheel drive in a car?

A rear wheel drive car is one where the power generated by the engine is sent to the rear wheels, which then ‘push’ the car along.

What is a front-wheel-drive car?

A car with front-wheel drive (FWD) means that the engine and gearbox are connected directly to the front wheels only.

What are dampers?

Dampers, also known as shock absorbers, are part of a vehicle's suspension system designed to control and reduce the impact of bumps in the road.