How Many Degrees Should the Steering Wheel Be Turned When Making a Turn?
3 Answers
The number of degrees the steering wheel should be turned when making a turn depends on the specific situation. Under normal circumstances, a typical turn requires turning the steering wheel one full rotation, which is 360 degrees. However, if the turning conditions are particularly tight and one full rotation isn't enough, you may need to turn the wheel a bit more to compensate for the angle. Conversely, if the turning conditions are very lenient and you can complete the turn without even turning the wheel halfway, there's no need to turn it a full rotation. Precautions when turning: 1. Always reduce your speed when turning. If you're going too fast, you won't have enough room to maneuver the steering wheel, which can lead to a minor skid or drift at best, or an accident at worst. 2. For sharp turns, try to turn the steering wheel all the way and then gradually straighten it after completing the turn. For wider turns, simply turn the steering wheel slowly as needed.
Last time driving on mountain roads, someone asked how many degrees to turn the steering wheel. I said it depends on the curve and speed. For regular city turns, 30-40 degrees is enough, while sharp bends may require up to 90 degrees. The most accurate method is to observe the car's nose direction: start straightening the wheel when there's about 3 meters left to the curve center. I often teach beginners the 'push-pull technique' – when the left hand pushes past 12 o'clock position, the right hand catches it; a 5-meter radius turn only needs 60 degrees of push. Remember not to death-grip the wheel during turns, rotate it lightly like holding a tray to prevent body roll. Reduce speed to 30km/h before entering curves for maximum safety, and always check mirrors after steering.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I believe there's no fixed degree for steering. A 60-degree turn feels effortless on dry sunny roads, but you need to reduce it to 40 degrees in rainy conditions to avoid skidding. I remember that time driving a Levin through a hairpin turn - it took a full 180-degree steering input to clear the concrete barrier. Tire wear condition is crucial - for tires with shallow tread patterns, reduce steering input by about 5 degrees. Here's a useful rhyme: Gentle hands for gentle bends, firm hands for sharp turns; Slow down entering, accelerate exiting. Never turn the steering wheel to its limit - always leave some margin for safety.
