What component is classified as unsprung weight?

Unsprung weight refers to components of a vehicle that are not supported by the suspension system, which means they have a direct effect on the vehicle's handling, ride quality, and overall performance. The wheels and tires are considered unsprung weight because they are in direct contact with the road and experience the full impact of road irregularities without the benefit of the suspension's ability to absorb shocks.

When the unsprung weight is minimized, the suspension can react more quickly to changes in road conditions, improving handling and ride comfort. Heavier unsprung weight leads to reduced suspension response, which can negatively impact the vehicle's performance during acceleration, cornering, and braking.

In contrast, components like the frame and body are classified as sprung weight because they are supported by the vehicle's suspension system. These components make up the majority of the vehicle's mass and do not experience the same direct impact from the road, allowing the suspension to cushion their movement.

Therefore, the identification of wheels and tires as unsprung weight is correct, as they are the components primarily responsible for experiencing and transmitting road forces directly to the vehicle.