Question

What is off-tracking?

A. The amplification of side-to-side movement through the rear of the trailer
B. When the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels while making a turn
C. When the rear wheels of a trailer lock up, causing the trailer to swing around
D. When the wheels of a tractor lose traction and the vehicle veers off the road

Answer 1

Off-tracking refers to the phenomenon where the rear wheels of a long vehicle, such as a semi-trailer truck, follow a tighter path than the front wheels during a turn.

Step-by-step explanation:

Off-tracking is when the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels during a turn. This is particularly noticeable in long vehicles such as semi-trailer trucks. The larger the vehicle, the more pronounced the off-tracking. This phenomenon occurs because the rear wheels are set back from the front wheels, and as a result, they traverse a tighter arc when the vehicle makes a turn.

Knowing how a vehicle off-tracks is essential for drivers to avoid hitting curbs or other obstacles during tight turns. Off-tracking does not relate to amplification of side-to-side movements through the rear of the trailer, wheels locking up causing the trailer to swing, or the vehicle veering off the road due to the tractor wheels losing traction.