How to Operate the Steering Wheel of an Automatic Car?
4 Answers
When turning the steering wheel to the right, the left hand acts as the main force to initiate the rightward rotation, while the right hand assists in the turning. The right hand turns the steering wheel, the left hand changes position and returns to its original place. The right hand acts as the main force to initiate the leftward rotation, while the left hand assists in the turning. After the right hand reaches a position where it is inconvenient to turn further, the left hand grasps the upper right part of the steering wheel, and the right hand releases. Utilize the automatic return force of the steering wheel to return to the original position automatically.
Driving an automatic transmission car actually requires quite a bit of finesse in steering wheel handling. I usually place both hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, using the cross-hand method for turns: push the wheel with my left hand while my right hand slides over to grip it, making turns smoother. Never operate the wheel with just one hand - you might lose control when hitting rough patches. Keep your arms relaxed, not too stiff, and start turning gently well before reaching intersections. When straightening the wheel, let the car do most of the work while you just guide it slightly. Always check mirrors before turning to ensure safety, especially when changing lanes where steering adjustments should be minimal (about 5 degrees) to avoid rollover risks. At red lights, you can relax your hands but maintain a ready-to-grip position.
I pay special attention to safety and handling when operating the steering wheel. Holding it at the correct position with both hands allows quick response to emergencies. The trick for turning is to rotate the wheel continuously and evenly while slightly leaning your body to coordinate with the steering. The faster the speed, the smaller the steering wheel movement should be - when changing lanes on highways, only dare to turn the wheel slightly. When reversing into parking spaces, turn the steering wheel more quickly with repeated left-right adjustments. Remember the steering wheel isn't a toy - avoid dangerous maneuvers like hand-over-hand steering or palming the wheel, and never use your knees to steer. Adjust the seat so your arms are naturally bent, making long drives less fatiguing. Regular power steering system checks are also crucial, as excessively heavy steering or vibrations may indicate malfunctions.
Steering wheel operation may seem simple, but there's actually a lot to it. I prefer using the push-pull method when driving: when turning right, my right hand pulls down while my left hand simultaneously pushes up, creating a motion like drawing an arc. With automatic transmission cars not requiring gear shifts, keeping both hands on the wheel is safer. When I first started driving, I used to turn the wheel all the way to the end, but later learned it damages the steering system—now I always leave some margin when turning. Pay attention to different steering techniques for various road conditions: turn slowly on sandy roads to prevent getting stuck, and be even gentler on icy surfaces. Practice S-turns and right-angle turns in open spaces to develop steering wheel feel. Regularly check tire pressure and wheel alignment, as these affect steering responsiveness. Break the habit of driving with one hand on the wheel—safe driving is far more important than looking cool.
