How Much Should You Turn the Steering Wheel When Making a Turn?

[Tracey]

First, determine whether it's a wide or tight turn. When turning, first apply the brakes to reduce speed while checking the side mirror on the turning side to ensure there are no pedestrians or vehicles behind. After slowing down and as you're about to enter the turn, gradually turn the steering wheel to adjust the car's position. For U-turns or 90-degree sharp turns, you need to turn the steering wheel quickly and then swiftly return it. Below are relevant details: 1. Right turn: one full turn of the steering wheel. Beginners often move the steering wheel (commonly called 'sliding the wheel') instead of properly turning it when making a right turn, which can result in not completing the turn and entering the wrong lane. The smaller the intersection, the greater the angle the steering wheel needs to be turned. Turning the wheel too little can lead to driving in the wrong direction. Always hold the steering wheel with both hands. For a U-turn, turn the steering wheel with your right hand to the 10 o'clock position, using a left-hand-over-right-hand technique; for a right turn, use a right-hand-over-left-hand technique. Right turn: one full turn of the steering wheel. 2. Left turn: half a turn of the steering wheel. Turning the steering wheel too much during a left turn at a large intersection can also lead to entering the wrong lane. Especially when turning left across two or three lanes, turning the wheel too much from the right lane can interfere with vehicles turning left from the left lane. The correct method is to first turn the steering wheel slightly less than half a turn, and if it feels insufficient, add a bit more to get it just right.