At what position should the steering wheel be turned when making a U-turn?

[Roger]

Turn the steering wheel when more than half of the vehicle body has passed during the U-turn. Below are the precautions to take when making a U-turn: 1. Decelerate before shifting gears: Before making a U-turn, the vehicle is usually moving relatively fast, around 30-40 km/h. After completing the light operation, first apply the brake to reduce speed, then press the clutch and downshift. 2. Check the rearview mirror to ensure surrounding conditions: To ensure a smooth U-turn, always check the rearview mirror to confirm safety behind before proceeding. Then look forward; if there are vehicles going straight, let them pass first. If there are no special circumstances, you can proceed with the U-turn. 3. Avoid turning left too early: Although a U-turn requires turning the steering wheel fully to the left, remember not to start turning left too soon. The earlier you start turning, the more difficult the U-turn becomes. Therefore, keep the vehicle moving straight until you are ready to make the U-turn, then quickly turn the steering wheel to the left.

[LaKatherine]

I've been driving for decades, and the position to turn the steering wheel when making a U-turn depends on the road width and your vehicle's turning radius. Generally, it's most appropriate to start turning the steering wheel near the centerline of the road. When you reach a wider section of the road, ensure there are no vehicles behind you and turn slowly. During the operation, first turn on the left signal, observe the traffic situation, and then turn the steering wheel to the left slightly ahead of the midpoint of the road. Remember, don't turn too early or too late—turning too early can easily lead to hitting the curb, while turning too late can result in an overly wide turn and a potential collision with oncoming traffic. If you're driving a small car, you can adjust your position more flexibly; if you're driving a large SUV with a larger turning radius, you'll need to start the steering action earlier. I recommend practicing this turning technique more on small roads. Once you become proficient, you'll be able to master the timing at any point, completing the U-turn both safely and smoothly. The key is to stay calm, observe the surroundings through the rearview mirror, and avoid getting stuck in blind spots during the turn.

[DiCorbin]

As a newly licensed driver, I've practiced U-turns many times and found that the steering wheel position needs flexible judgment. After multiple attempts in an empty parking lot, I discovered that if the road is wide enough, it's best to turn the steering wheel left immediately after half of the car body passes the centerline of the road, ensuring a smooth turn. In real driving situations, traffic signals and oncoming traffic must be considered, so always use the turn signal before steering, check for approaching vehicles or pedestrians, and proceed only when safe. The exact turning point isn't fixed but requires slight adjustments based on speed and turning needs—for example, turning slightly later at lower speeds and earlier at higher speeds. My advice is to choose a spot with a gentle curve, avoiding narrow roads or slopes for U-turns to prevent wheel jams or even rollovers. Regularly use mirrors to monitor angles, ensuring wheel alignment for smooth, natural turns without safety risks.

[Judith]

When making a U-turn, the position of turning the steering wheel must prioritize safety above all. I believe that in any situation, the act of turning the steering wheel should be based on prior observation of the surroundings. When you turn at the appropriate point, such as the middle of a wide straight road section, turning the steering wheel to the left should be done in one smooth motion. Before maneuvering, signal left to alert others and ensure there are no obstacles; choose a position slightly ahead of the vehicle's midline, so the wheel rotation just clears the curb. Avoid performing this in heavy traffic or visual blind spots, as incorrect positioning may lead to collisions. The safe approach is to slow down the vehicle, steer at a controllable point, then quickly straighten and stabilize the car to prevent wobbling. The key is to practice locating the optimal spot in an open area, such as drawing a circle to test positions, which enhances your confidence and judgment, ensuring safe driving for you and others.