Auto Anatomy: Anti-Roll Bars

The technological advancements and smart engineering solutions support the automotive industry in raising its safety benchmarks. These solutions range from using advanced AI technology to simple components such as an anti-roll bar. An anti-roll bar is a single piece of a metallic rod placed between the right and left tyre. The rod functions as a spring and secures vehicles from rolling off.

Let’s discuss the working, purpose, pros and cons of a car anti-roll bar in more detail.

Anti-Roll Bar Purpose

When a vehicle turns a corner, its mass shifts outwards due to the centrifugal force applied to it. This centrifugal force will roll off the vehicle, negatively impacting ride quality and vehicle control. Here, the anti-roll bars are introduced to avoid the aforementioned situation. The bar forces both the axle or wheels to raise or lower at the same height for preventing rolling-off.

For further understanding, here is the working of a car anti-roll bar.

How Anti-Roll Bars Work

The U-Shaped anti-roll bar connect both the tyres

The under and oversteer is a phenomenon that occurs due to the uneven weight distribution while cornering, which results in vehicle rolling-off. An anti-roll bar works by controlling the understeer and oversteer without impacting the stiffness of the car suspension system. The anti-roll bars connect both the tyres, so when a right tyre receives any movement it is duplicated on the left tyre and vice versa. This allows the even weight and force distribution between both the tyres and avoids vehicle rolling.

Generally, there are two anti-roll bars in a vehicle, but it can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. In the case of an aftermarket installation, it is dependent upon the purpose of installation. If you are trying to control understeer, install a rear anti-roll bar or decrease the stiffness of the front bar. Whereas, if you are trying to control oversteer, install a front bar or decrease the stiffness of the rear bar

Anti-Roll Bar Pros and Cons

The core benefit of anti-roll bars can be observed while cornering a vehicle. It provides an additional spring force that reduces the car body leaning in one direction. Moreover, this force also increases the vehicle’s controllability while turning a vehicle.

The major con of a stiff anti-roll bar is the transfer of force incurred on one tyre onto another. This can cause a jarring movement and reduces ride quality on a bumpy road. In extreme conditions, it can also damage the suspension system of a car.

TOMOI Anti-Roll Bar

Aftermarket anti-roll bars can be installed to control under and oversteer of a vehicle

The aftermarket anti-roll bars are also known as sway bars. The installation of sway bars is a difficult task and may require professional-level expertise. Therefore, it is suggested to cornered a mechanic for its installation.

This was all about the anti-roll bar in a car. These bars are the basic components and can be upgraded for better performance. The TOMOI brand launched an advanced version of anti-roll bars and named it a rollover protection system.