How much steering wheel rotation is appropriate for a small right turn?
4 Answers
For a small right turn, the steering wheel is generally turned to the 4 or 5 o'clock position, which is approximately 150 to 160 degrees. Below are some considerations for turning during daily driving: 1. Principle to follow: When turning, the rule to follow is 'left turn wide, right turn tight,' meaning a left turn should follow a wide arc while a right turn should follow a tight arc. 2. Key points for different turning scenarios: At a crossroad, you can start turning the steering wheel when the vehicle's B-pillar reaches the stop line, turning the wheel gradually as you make the turn; when turning in a lane between the roadside and a safety island, reduce speed and watch for pedestrians, turning the wheel one full rotation as soon as the front of the car enters the safety island.
I think turning the steering wheel about 90 degrees is most suitable for a small right turn, as I've been driving for almost ten years and make this kind of turn most often on urban roads. The speed should be reduced to 15-20 kilometers per hour, and there's no need to rush the turn—just adjust the angle slowly. If the turn is particularly sharp, turn a bit more, but don't exceed half a turn, otherwise the car may drift or scrape the curb. Observing road conditions is crucial, such as checking mirrors and pedestrians, to avoid sudden loss of control. In short, steering relies on feel, and with a bit more practice, it becomes steady. Beginners are advised to start with 60 degrees to get the hang of it.
As someone who prioritizes driving safety, I keep the steering wheel between 45-60 degrees when making a right turn. The reason is that excessive angles can easily cause excessive tire wear or vehicle skidding, especially in rainy weather which is more dangerous. The speed must be reduced, preferably below 10 km/h, and the narrower the turn, the lighter the steering should be. Remember not to accelerate while turning, keep the vehicle stable, and check the vehicle condition such as tire pressure if necessary. Safety comes first, and these small details can prevent accidents.
I just got my driver's license, and my instructor taught me that for a small right turn, I should turn the steering wheel about 120-150 degrees, which is roughly a small half-turn. In actual practice, I'm a bit nervous. For example, when turning in the neighborhood, I gently turn the wheel to this angle, feeling it's safer and less likely to scrape the curb. I keep the speed slow, around 10-15 km/h, focusing on the size of the curve. After driving more, I found that turning the wheel too sharply or insufficiently can make the car unstable, so it's best to keep practicing.
