Garage & Service
Know Your Angles
Bigger is better – if your car requires large angles, you’ll be able to clear a lot more inclines, humps and declines than if it requires small angles.
Approach Angle: The angle created by the ground and the slope from the base of your front tire to the lowest part of your front bumper. This is a very important factor in choosing the best ramp, as cars with low clearance might need ramp approach angles anywhere from four to six degrees.
Breakover Angle: The angle at which the underside of your vehicle will get stuck, also called "high-centering". This is a big one for low clearance box trucks and vans, particularly over speed bumps, speed humps and railroad tracks; it’s also a factor for off-road vehicles that are driving through rocky or lumpy terrain. Vehicles with a long wheelbase and low ground clearance have low breakover angles.
Departure Angle: The angle created by the ground and the slope from the base of your back tire to the lowest part of your back bumper.