What is the function of the sway bar in a vehicle's suspension?

The function of the sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar, is primarily to reduce body roll during cornering and improve stability. When a vehicle turns, it experiences centrifugal forces that can cause the body to lean or roll towards the outside of the turn. The sway bar is designed to resist this roll by connecting the left and right sides of the suspension, allowing the suspension on one side to counteract the movement on the other side. This action helps keep the vehicle more level during turns, enhancing traction and control while improving overall handling and stability.

While other choices might seem relevant to vehicle dynamics, they address different aspects of suspension function. For instance, enhancing straight-line stability relates more to the overall alignment and balance of the vehicle, increasing vehicle height pertains to off-road suspension adjustments, and providing cushioning is typically related to the shock absorbers and springs rather than the sway bar's role.