So you have a new Jeep with the huge tires that you plan on taking off-roading. But what is it that makes a vehicle good at this extreme activity? One of the most important factors is the vehicle’s torque. Here is what you need to know about torque and why it is important when it comes to off-road driving.
What Is Torque?
In the most basic terms, torque is the amount of power you have when it comes to turning. The torque on a car is what helps it to accelerate, which is important in an off-road vehicle if you are trying to power up and over hills or boulders. It is defined as a rotating force that may result in a motion but not necessarily. Torque is what allows you to keep up your momentum when driving over boulders without stressing out the engine.
What is the Difference Between Torque and Horsepower?
The amount of torque at the wheels of a Jeep determines how fast the vehicle can reach a speed while the horsepower is how fast the vehicle can travel. The horsepower of a vehicle is arrived at by multiplying the torque by the RPM’s and dividing it by 5,252. Torque is actually easier to measure than horsepower.
How Do Horsepower and Torque Work Together?
You need both torque and horsepower to get your vehicle up and going, and the two work together to keep you going. The torque will get the vehicle in motion, and once you are up and going if you are on flat ground the horsepower will help the truck maintain its speed.
Which is Better for Off-Roading?
As you can imagine, speed is not as important as acceleration when you are crawling over rocks or pushing through the sand and mud. Torque is more important because it provides the force you need to get through. A high low-end torque is one of the most important things to have when you need your Jeep to get you over uneven and rough surfaces. This also gives you more control over the vehicle when you are in an unsteady driving area.
Why is Low-End Torque Important in Off-Roading?
Low-end torque is the amount of torque at a low number of revs, usually between 2000 and 3000. This is different from high-end torque which is the amount of torque at a high revolution such as 4000 or 6000. Low-end is important in off-road driving because it keeps the engine from working too hard when you need to maintain your momentum over rough terrain without a lot of speed. A high low-end torque doesn’t need a lot of revolutions per minute, and it means you don’t need to press as hard on the throttle to keep the car moving forward.
It is important to know the difference between torque and horsepower before you can understand why it is important for off-roading. If you are planning on getting into serious off-roading and are looking for a vehicle, a high low-end torque is important.
“Jeep Life” by Dave Doe is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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