How Does a Car Make a Turn?

[SamanthaRose]

Car Turning: 1. Try to make a small turn when turning right: When turning right, you may sometimes encounter vehicles going straight or moving in the same direction, such as at intersections. In such cases, make a small turn to avoid affecting the normal movement of straight-going vehicles; otherwise, it may obstruct others. 2. Control the steering wheel properly: Steering wheel control is crucial when turning. If you want to make a small turn, turn the steering wheel as much as possible, then gradually straighten it after completing the turn. For a larger turn, steer slowly. Here are additional details: Precautions: Always check the rearview mirror when turning to ensure there are no vehicles behind or to the side before making the turn. Many beginners often overlook this, which can lead to traffic accidents. When turning left, try to make a wider turn. This is because some vehicles might be coming out of the road you intend to turn into. To avoid obstruction or collision, it's advisable to turn into a spot further away.

[DeIvan]

Every time I make a turn while driving, I first check the rearview mirror and the traffic on the side to ensure safety before turning on the indicator. Before entering the curve, I release the accelerator and gently apply the brakes to reduce speed, as excessive speed can easily cause skidding, especially on slippery roads. At this point, turning the steering wheel should be steady, adjusting the turning angle according to the size of the curve, and avoid jerking the steering wheel too abruptly. When the car begins to turn, focus your attention, look towards the exit of the curve, and gradually apply the accelerator. As the car is about to straighten out, return the steering wheel to its original position. Remember to adjust your seat position properly so that turning the steering wheel feels comfortable. Additionally, pay attention to road markings, as some sharp curves may indicate speed limits—these warning signs must be taken seriously. Finally, it's advisable to regularly check tire tread depth and pressure, as severely worn tires can reduce grip during turns, affecting steering precision.

[StevenFitz]

The core of a car's turning lies in the steering system. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering column transmits force to the steering gear, which then pushes the steering knuckle through the tie rod, causing the front wheels to generate a steering angle. The turning angles of the left and right wheels are actually different, which is automatically adjusted by the steering trapezoidal mechanism. Meanwhile, the power steering system is also crucial as it assists in reducing the steering wheel effort. The chassis suspension system must cooperate to keep the wheels in optimal contact with the ground, ensuring stability. When turning, the throttle and brakes must be properly coordinated—too fast may cause oversteer, while too slow can disrupt traffic flow. Additionally, tire condition directly affects steering performance; tread depth below 4mm or uneven wear on both sides can make turning more difficult.

[RosalieFitz]

From the perspective of vehicle working principles, the key to turning lies in the changes in the steering angle of the front wheels. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering mechanism adjusts the front wheel angles according to the Ackermann geometry principle. The inner wheel has a larger steering angle than the outer wheel, allowing all four wheels to smoothly navigate the turn around the same center. The suspension system must withstand lateral forces during this process to maintain tire contact area. The tread grooves of the tires grip the road surface to generate traction, and this frictional force provides the centripetal force required for turning. The faster the speed, the greater the centripetal force needed, so it's essential to reduce speed when entering a turn. If the tires are severely worn or the road surface is slippery, insufficient traction can easily lead to understeer or push-under phenomena.

[Evans]

To navigate curves safely, follow these key points: Observe road conditions 300 meters in advance and activate the turn signal. Reduce speed 50 meters before the curve based on its curvature—slow down below 60 km/h for highway curves and to around 40 km/h for sharp turns. Maintain a steady speed while entering the curve, steering smoothly and monitoring the curve's apex. For wide curves, follow the outside-inside-outside path for minimal effort, and begin straightening the wheel as the car exits the curve. Gradually accelerate after exiting. Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering mid-curve, as this may cause loss of control. Exercise extra caution at night or in rain due to poor visibility and slippery roads—reduce speed by 20% compared to normal conditions. Additionally, never attempt to overtake in curve zones, as the risk is extremely high.