Vehicle Controller

VehicleController inspector

Main controller component that coordinates all vehicle systems. Attach this to your vehicle's root GameObject.

Architecture

Component-based system where each subsystem (powertrain, effects, sound, etc.) can be enabled/disabled independently. Uses StateSettings for LOD configuration.

Core Systems

Powertrain

Engine, clutch, transmission, differentials, and wheels. See Powertrain.

Control

Steering, brakes, and input handling.

Effects & Sound

Skidmarks, particles, lights, exhaust effects, and audio system.

Modules

Optional systems: ABS, TCS, ESC, Aerodynamics, Fuel, NOS, Trailer, etc. See ModuleManager.

Requirements

  • Rigidbody (added automatically)
  • WheelController 3D components on child objects

Physics Settings

Fixed Timestep: 0.01667 (60Hz) desktop, 0.02-0.03 mobile Solver: TGS recommended Rigidbody:

  • Mass: 1000-2000 kg (cars), 3000-10000 kg (trucks)
  • Drag: 0
  • Angular Drag: 0.05
  • Interpolation: Interpolate

Properties

Dimensions

dimensions - Vehicle size (Width × Height × Length) in meters. Affects inertia calculations.

Position References

  • enginePosition - For audio/effects
  • exhaustPosition - For particles/sound
  • transmissionPosition - For transmission audio

Thresholds

  • lateralSlipThreshold (0.15) - Lateral slip threshold for effects
  • longitudinalSlipThreshold (0.3) - Longitudinal slip threshold for effects

LOD

  • multiplayerInstanceType - "Local" for player vehicle, "Remote" for others
  • lodCamera - Camera for LOD distance checks (uses Camera.main if null)

State System

StateSettings ScriptableObject controls which components are active at each LOD level. See State Settings and LOD.

Update Order

Each frame:

  1. Update() - Input, state updates
  2. FixedUpdate() - Ground detection → Input → Powertrain → Steering → Brakes → Modules → Effects
  3. LateUpdate() - Visual updates (wheel models)

Component Lifecycle

All components inherit from VehicleComponent:

  • VC_Initialize() - Setup
  • VC_SetDefaults() - Default config
  • VC_Validate() - Validation
  • VC_Enable() / VC_Disable() - State changes
  • VC_Update() / VC_FixedUpdate() - Updates

Events

  • onLODChanged - LOD level changed
  • onWake / onSleep - Rigidbody state
  • onEnable / onDisable - Component state

Setup

Use Tools > NWH > Vehicle Physics 2 > Vehicle Setup Wizard for automatic configuration, or see Quick Start Guide.

Performance

  • LOD system for distant vehicles
  • Component pooling for effects/sounds
  • Disable unused modules
  • Increase Fixed Timestep on mobile (0.02-0.03)

Common Issues

Unstable physics: Lower Fixed Timestep, check center of mass, verify wheel/suspension settings

Poor performance: Enable LOD, reduce modules, check Fixed Timestep

No input: Check Input Provider assignment, verify vehicle is awake

See FAQ for more.