How Many Turns of the Steering Wheel for a U-Turn?
2 Answers
The issue of making a U-turn in a car depends on the actual situation. Drive to the side position, remember not to press the accelerator at this time, you can brake and then give a little gas, then turn the steering wheel to the left until the U-turn is successfully completed. If you are making a U-turn in a place with many cars, please pay attention to whether there are vehicles coming from both sides of the U-turn. Be safe. Basic points to note for making a U-turn: At intersections with U-turn lights, proceed to the intersection. If there are special U-turn indicator lights or ground markings, follow the instructions of the indicator lights and ground markings. Sometimes there are restrictions under the signs, such as the words "U-turn on red," which means you can only make a U-turn when the light is red. At intersections without U-turn lights but with left-turn lights, generally speaking, as long as there is no prohibition of U-turn signs or separate U-turn indicator lights, motor vehicles can make a U-turn at any time without affecting normal traffic and ensuring safety. Usually, the central divider on general roads will change from a solid line to a dotted line near the intersection, and vehicles can make a U-turn in this area.
Many people wonder about this question, but in fact, there's no fixed standard for how many turns of the steering wheel are needed for a U-turn. With over ten years of driving experience, having driven both sedans and SUVs, I've noticed that smaller cars have a smaller steering ratio—about one and a half turns might suffice for a U-turn, while larger vehicles like some SUVs may require more than two full turns. The key factor is the vehicle's design: some older cars have heavier steering and may turn with fewer rotations, whereas newer cars with power steering make turning easier but require caution to avoid over-turning, which can damage the power steering pump. Road conditions also play a crucial role: in narrow intersections or one-way streets, you might need an extra half to full turn to increase the turning radius. Environmental factors like traffic signals and pedestrians also influence the maneuver. It's best to rely on your instincts and adjust flexibly while driving, avoiding forced steering movements.
