Quote:
Originally Posted by waldo1967
Hello All...
I leased a 2015 Camaro 2LS back in June.
We had our first snowfall this year and I am preparing myself for the Winter RWD experience.
With that comes some questions on just how the RWD on my car works.
Does both back wheels spin equally? If not, which one does.
How exactly does the traction control effect the wheel spin. Is it just for the back end or all 4 wheels.
As you can tell from my questions, I'm not very well versed in mechanics. So any "dumbed down" information would be appreciated.
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Hi.
1)
Do both back wheels spin equally? If not, which one does.
Not really cut and dried, the way you ask.Simple answer: your car's rear wheels do not both spin at the same speeds all the time.If they did, taking a corner would not be pleasant. Think about it: As you turn, the distance between the rear wheels stays the same. However the inside wheel has less distance to travel than the outside wheel. Imagine you drove through paint, you'd see two different arcs of tire tracks- the inside arcs would be tighter and also shorter. Therefore the rear wheels are traveling different distances but arrive at their destinations at the same time. So they need to turn at different speeds. Your car has what is called a 'differential' and it refers to differential gearing that enables the wheels to travel at different speeds in a turn. This is 100% normal and has been around for over half a century.
Also, both of your rear wheels propel the car, not just one. You seem to be getting confused between 'standard' differentials and 'positraction' differentials, and how they make the car move. For winter driving in a car like yours with stabilitrac and traction control...don't worry.
2) How exactly does the traction control effect the wheel spin.
In a nutshell, the car has mechanical systems (the differential) and electronic systems (traction control, stabilitrac, and anti-lock brakes) that all work in concert to help control or negate tires slipping, locking, or losing traction. They are not infallible but they do an excellent job.
When the rear tires start to lose traction, the most basic explanation is that traction control cuts "power" to one degree or another, and prevents loss of control.
3) Is it just for the back end or all 4 wheels.
You should think "drive wheels" when you read "traction control". You don't have four wheel drive. However, the anti-lock brakes also assist you and naturally they are for all wheels and although they do not manage "power" they will play a critical part in helping you in the winter: the front tires steer the car only if they are rolling. if they are locking, you will slide in the direction you were last traveling regardless of where you turn the wheel.