Editing Automobile handling (section)

==== Spring rate ====
The flexing of the frame interacts with the suspension. The following types of springs are commonly used for automobile suspension, variable rate springs and linear rate springs. When a load is applied to a linear rate spring the spring compresses an amount directly proportional to the load applied. This type of spring is commonly used in road racing applications when ride quality is not a concern. A linear spring will behave the same at all times. This provides predictable handling characteristics during high speed cornering, acceleration and braking. Variable springs have low initial springs rates. The spring rate gradually increases as it is compressed. In simple terms the spring becomes stiffer as it is compressed. The ends of the spring are wound tighter to produce a lower spring rate. When driving this cushions small road imperfections improving ride quality. However once the spring is compressed to a certain point the spring is not wound as tight providing a higher (stiffer) spring rate. This prevents excessive suspension compression and prevents dangerous body roll, which could lead to a roll over. Variable rate springs are used in cars designed for comfort as well as off-road racing vehicles. In off-road racing they allow a vehicle to absorb the violent shock from a jump effectively as well as absorb small bumps along the off-road terrain effectively.<ref>{{cite web|author=John Milmont|title=Linear vs Progressive Rate Springs|work=Automotive Thinker|date=24 January 2014|access-date=16 February 2016|url=http://automotivethinker.com/suspension/linear-vs-progressive-rate-springs/|archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724205726/https://automotivethinker.com/suspension/linear-vs-progressive-rate-springs/|url-status=live}}</ref>