Approach, Departure & Break over Angle

Approach Angle: Represents the steepest hill your vehicle can climb without brushing, or slamming, its front bumper against the slope.

Break-over Angle: An indication of the steepest crest a vehicle can traverse without high centering.

Departure Angle: Represents the steepest grade your vehicle can descend without brushing, or slamming, its rear bumper against the slope.

The approach and departure angles are a function of ground clearance, as well as front and rear overhangs. If you have short overhangs and lots of ground clearance, you will have a very good approach and departure angles, allowing you to ascend and descend steep slopes. 

Look at the front and rear of your vehicle to understand your lowest hanging items that would come into contact with an obstacle first - fog lights, bumper, exhaust pipe or trailer hitch. Keep these items at the front of your mind when you are considering an obstacle. Always approach an obstacle slowly so you don't slam into it, and potentially damage your vehicle. When the front components clear, and the front tires start to climb, you have successfully managed your approach angle!

The break-over angle is a function of ground clearance and wheelbase. A shorter wheelbase and good ground clearance will allow a vehicle to travel over sharp crests. The longer the wheelbase, the smaller the break-over angle you are able to tackle. Vehicles with a short wheelbase and high center have a definite advantage in these situations. When shopping for a new vehicle, consider the wheelbase - what you are used to and want to improve.

You can increase your ground clearance with different aftermarket parts, including a suspension lift and/or taller tires. When looking at purchasing items such as bumpers, consider if this item will help increase or decrease your angles. Some vehicles have the opportunity to lengthen or shorten their wheelbase.

Measuring Your Angles

Take a long, straight object such as a yardstick, broomstick or board, and place one end where the front of your front tire touches the ground. Lift the other end up until it hits the lowest point of the front of your vehicle (usually this is the bumper). The angle of the object is your specific approach angle. Repeat the method in the rear for your departure angle.