Ride height
The static distance between the track surface and a reference point on the chassis. It sets both the aerodynamic platform (on most aero-dependent cars, running lower tends to produce more downforce) and the mechanical behaviour of the axle through weight-transfer geometry. The front-to-rear difference — rake — shifts the aero balance: more rake tends to move the balance forward. Ride height rarely acts alone: springs, perch offsets and wing angle all move the same platform, so change it with a hypothesis and verify the balance change on track.
Effect by corner phase
Front ride height affects how much the platform pitches under braking and how stable the aero balance stays into the corner.
The absolute heights and the rake set where the aero balance sits at steady state — the axle running relatively higher tends to carry less of the downforce.
Rear ride height influences rear platform support and how much load the driven axle keeps under power.
Symptom tendencies
These describe tendencies, not rules.
Understeer in medium and high speed corners Mid-corner
More rake (relatively higher rear, or lower front) tends to shift the aero balance forward. Confirm with a back-to-back run before stacking other changes.
Entry oversteer — nervous rear under braking Entry
Less rake or a slightly higher front tends to calm the platform at the cost of some front bite.
Verify on track before you commit to a change.