Which wheel has the shorter turning radius in a turn?

In a turn, the inside wheel has the shorter turning radius. This occurs because as a vehicle turns, the outside wheels travel a greater distance than the inside wheels. The inside wheel, being closer to the center of the turn, follows a path that is shorter compared to the outside wheel, which must steer at a larger angle to cover the wider arc required for turning.

The outside wheel's path is longer, which contributes to a larger radius, while the inside wheel is almost pivoting around the center point of the turn. This concept is crucial in understanding how vehicles maneuver, especially when it comes to tight corners or navigating through narrow spaces where one must consider the swing of both front and rear wheels. This behavior is also important in defensive driving, as it informs drivers about how turns affect the vehicle's dynamics and trajectory.