How to Control the Steering Wheel of a Car?
4 Answers
Control the steering wheel of a car as follows: 1. After getting in the car, align your body with the steering wheel and keep it straight. Lean your back lightly against the backrest of the seat. Adjust the seat forward or backward to a suitable position according to your height. Fasten the seat belt if the vehicle is equipped with one. 2. Look straight ahead, lightly hold the upper left side of the steering wheel with your left hand and the lower right side with your right hand, with both elbows relaxed and naturally hanging down. The thumbs of both hands should naturally extend and rest on the upper edge of the steering wheel, while the other four fingers should lightly grip from the outside inward. 3. Place your left foot below the clutch pedal and your right foot lightly on the accelerator pedal at about two-thirds of its length. 4. Maintain a relaxed and comfortable driving state and a good driving posture.
Controlling the steering wheel actually has its tricks, and I think the key lies in proper grip and smooth movements. Having driven for many years, my experience is to place both hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions on the steering wheel, as if holding a clock face. This way, turning feels both light and stable. Adjust your grip based on road conditions: for small turns in the city, a slight twist is enough; for straight driving on highways, hold firmer to prevent drifting. New drivers often make the mistake of using one hand or crossing hands, which can easily lead to loss of control and rollovers during turns. Once, while driving in the rain, I turned the wheel too sharply, and the car almost slid into a ditch—the lesson was that moderate force is crucial. Safety first: avoid sharp turns, especially on slippery roads, as smooth transitions are the way to go. Daily maintenance is also important—for example, steering wheel vibrations might indicate power steering issues and should be checked promptly. Practice more to develop a feel for it; skill comes with practice.
Steering wheel control starts with the basics, which is what I teach first when instructing driving. The most reliable way is to hold the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, applying gentle force without excessive pressure—light turns are sufficient for steering. Modern vehicles come equipped with power steering systems, making wheel operation more effortless, especially when parking. The principle of steering is straightforward: the steering wheel connects to the driveshaft to control the angle of the wheels, so maintaining smooth movements and avoiding sharp turns is key. Beginners should avoid one-handed steering or crossing hands, as these can be dangerous and lead to delayed reactions. On highways, keep your eyes forward and maintain steady steering; when turning, slow down in advance and ensure your actions are smooth for maximum safety. Related topic: Power steering varies significantly across different car models—economy cars may feel heavier, while luxury cars offer smoother handling. Regular practice helps develop a feel; beginners should start by testing turning and straight-line balance in open spaces.
As a new driver, I initially found steering control extremely difficult. My instructor taught me to place my hands on the sides of the wheel, avoid hooking my thumbs around the rim, and make gentle turns without excessive force. During my first city drive, I took a turn too wide and nearly hit the curb, but later corrected my cycling habits. On highways, I learned to grip more firmly to maintain straight-line stability. Rainy conditions made me realize how sharp turns can cause skidding on slippery roads. With more driving experience, my movements have become smoother. Practice gradually helps adaptation - beginners shouldn't rush, as safety outweighs speed. Find empty spaces to repeatedly practice turning feel until discovering the most comfortable balance.
