Why Do You Only Get Car SICK in Specific Types of Cars?

A common question we often hear is, ldquo;Why can I only get car sick in certain types of cars?rdquo; There are several factors to consider, including the vehicle's ride characteristics and the positioning of the passenger relative to the windshield. In this article, we'll explore these factors and provide some insights to help you understand why you might only get car sick in specific cars.

Understanding Car Sickness (Motion Sickness)

Car sickness, also known as motion sickness, is a common condition that affects people when they are in motion, despite not being physically ill. Your body feels stationary because of the seats you are in, while your eyes and inner ear (which senses movement) signal that you are moving. This confusion triggers an incorrect response in your brain, leading to feelings of nausea and the urge to vomit.

Ride Characteristics and Car Sickness

The ride characteristics of a car can greatly influence your likelihood of experiencing car sickness. Factors like the wheelbase (the distance between the vehiclersquo;s front and rear axles) and the spring rates (the measure of a springrsquo;s stiffness) play a significant role. In the 1950s and 1960s, for example, the authors' sisters would experience car sickness more often in extended car trips on uneven roads.

Long Wheelbase and Soft Suspension When riding in a car with a long wheelbase and a soft suspension, the ride feels very smooth, allowing the car to float over undulations in the suspension compresses deeply on rises and floats over dips, extending the duration of these motions, which can cause motion sickness.

Hard Springed and Short Wheelbase Cars Hard springed cars like the Oldsmobile Super 88 or short wheelbase cars like the Volkswagen Rabbit with torsion bar suspensions do not cause the same motion lack of floatation and the direct impact of small bumps makes the ride more constant and predictable, reducing the risk of motion sickness.

Position of the Passenger and Car Sickness

The position of the passenger relative to the windshield also plays a crucial role in car sickness. If you can see and anticipate elevation changes, your mind will use visual cues to adjust and minimize motion sickness. Conversely, rear-facing seats can make the experience more unpleasant.

Front Seat Passengers can usually anticipate road undulations and adjust their posture accordingly, reducing the likelihood of motion sickness.Rearward-Facing Seats, such as those found in three-seat station wagons, can exacerbate feelings of motion sickness and nausea.

Additional Factors

There are additional factors that can contribute to car sickness, including: New Car Smells: The new car smell, air fresheners, or even bug sprays can trigger motion sickness in some people.Smoking: Secondhand smoke can irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate motion sickness.

Solutions and Remedies

If you find yourself frequently experiencing motion sickness in specific cars, try these remedies to alleviate the symptoms: Mesh Seat Covers or Drift Mats: Place them under your seat for a smoother ride.Car Sickness Bags: Keep them handy in the car for emergencies.Stay in the Front Seat: If you are prone to motion sickness in the back seat, ask to sit in the front.Visual Cues: Keep the windows partially open to see through the windshield, allowing for better visual cues.

Research and Recommendations

There are still a lot of unknowns regarding exactly why some people get motion sickness in specific cars and others do not. Further research could provide deeper insights. In the meantime, understanding the dynamics of your car and adjusting your position can help minimize motion sickness.

If you experience car sickness in specific types of cars, it might be an indication that you are more sensitive to certain ride characteristics. You may want to experiment with different seating options or consult with a healthcare provider for additional advice.