1. What is Ground Clearance?

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle and the ground. It's a critical measurement for off-road vehicles, determining the vehicle's ability to navigate over obstacles without damage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ground clearance formula:

Where:

• \( Tire\ Diameter \) — Total diameter of the tire (inches)
• \( Suspension \) — Suspension height/lift (inches)
• \( Sag \) — Suspension sag/compression (inches)

Explanation: The formula calculates ground clearance by adding half the tire diameter and suspension height, then subtracting any suspension sag.

3. Importance of Ground Clearance

Details: Proper ground clearance is essential for off-road performance, preventing undercarriage damage, and ensuring vehicle stability on uneven terrain. It affects approach, departure, and breakover angles.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter tire diameter in inches, suspension height in inches, and sag in inches. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is tire diameter divided by 2?
A: Because the radius (half the diameter) represents the distance from the wheel center to the ground, which is the base clearance provided by the tires.

Q2: What is suspension sag?
A: Sag refers to the compression of suspension components under the vehicle's weight, which reduces the actual ground clearance.

Q3: What is considered good ground clearance?
A: For off-road vehicles, 8-10 inches is good, while 10+ inches is excellent. Standard vehicles typically have 5-8 inches of clearance.

Q4: How can I increase ground clearance?
A: Larger tires, suspension lifts, and reducing vehicle weight are common methods to increase ground clearance.

Q5: Does ground clearance affect fuel efficiency?
A: Yes, increased ground clearance typically increases air resistance and may slightly reduce fuel efficiency due to altered aerodynamics.