Ride height

Ride height or ground clearance is the amount of space between the base of an automobile tire and the lowest point of the automobile, typically the bottom exterior of the differential housing (even though the lower shock mounting point may be lower); or, more properly, to the shortest distance between a flat, level surface, and the lowest part of a vehicle other than those parts designed to contact the ground (such as tires, tracks, skis, etc.).

A higher ride height and ground clearance means that the wheels have more vertical room to travel and absorb road shocks.

Also, the car is more capable of being driven on roads that are not level, without the scraping against surface obstacles and possibly damaging the chassis and underbody.

[4] Vehicles not equipped with self-leveling will pitch down at one end when laden; this adversely affects ride, handling, and aerodynamic properties.

The final design of any AFV reflects a compromise between being a smaller target on one hand, and having greater battlefield mobility on the other.

18-wheel tractor-trailers also have to take the ground clearance of both their tractor and especially trailer into consideration on certain areas of uneven terrain, such as raised railroad crossings.

In vehicles with independent suspension this is typically the distance between the bottom of the lower control arm and the ground.