How much should the steering wheel be turned for a general U-turn?
2 Answers
When making a U-turn, the steering wheel is typically turned more than 90 degrees and then adjusted to half a turn, aligning the front of the vehicle with the center of the road. The steering process should not be too fast, and the wheel should not be turned to the extreme. Adjust the steering angle according to the turning angle of the vehicle's front, as the angle and speed are related. Remember to maintain a low speed during the U-turn. Here are the key points to note for a U-turn: 1. At intersections with U-turn signals, proceed to the intersection and follow the dedicated U-turn signal or ground markings if available. 2. At intersections without a U-turn signal but with a left-turn signal, generally, as long as there is no no-U-turn sign or a separate U-turn signal, vehicles can make a U-turn at any time without affecting normal traffic flow and ensuring safety. Typically, the central divider on regular roads changes from a solid line to a dashed line near the intersection, allowing U-turns in this area. 3. Yellow grid areas indicate no stopping. If the traffic light is red ahead, vehicles behind should avoid this area. However, U-turns are permitted in this zone as long as there is no central barrier. 4. Intersections with no-left-turn signs prohibit left turns, but since U-turns require a similar path to left turns and occupy the opposite lane, U-turns are also prohibited at these intersections. 5. Pedestrian crossing areas, although usually not marked with no-U-turn signs, are equivalent to sidewalks and do not allow U-turns. 6. The leftmost lane with only a straight arrow: Near intersections, lanes are marked with arrows to guide vehicle direction. If the leftmost lane has only a straight arrow, U-turns are not allowed even if there is no no-U-turn sign.
When I make a U-turn in a small car, I usually turn the steering wheel to its full lock, about 1.5 to 2 turns, depending on the car's steering system and road conditions. For example, when making a U-turn in a compact car on a wide street, I first slow down to a low speed, turn on the indicator to alert vehicles behind, and then steadily turn the steering wheel to its limit while controlling the speed to complete the turn smoothly. In narrow roads or parking lots, I might need to adjust the angle by turning the wheel back a bit to avoid scraping the curb. The type of vehicle makes a big difference: small cars are more agile, so turning the wheel to full lock is usually enough; for SUVs or larger vehicles, you need to start turning earlier with more wheel rotations because of their larger turning radius. The key is to avoid sudden turns or corrections—smooth operation is safer, and with a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Also, remember to keep the speed low and ensure there are no oncoming vehicles or pedestrians before making a U-turn—safety always comes first.
