How to Steer When Reversing?
3 Answers
Here are the methods for steering control when reversing: 1. When reversing, if the rear of the car needs to go left, turn the steering wheel to the left; if the rear needs to go right, turn the steering wheel to the right; 2. To straighten the car body when the rear is leaning left, turn the steering wheel to the right; if the rear is leaning right, turn the steering wheel to the left; 3. After correcting the car body, return the steering wheel to the center and slowly reverse. The function of the steering wheel is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque and transmit it to the steering shaft. Additional tips for the correct way to hold the steering wheel: 1. Imagine the steering wheel as a circular clock face, with the left hand at the 9 o'clock position and the right hand at the 3 o'clock position; 2. Hold the steering wheel lightly with both hands, with the thumbs naturally extended and resting on the edge of the steering wheel, and the four fingers gently gripping the steering wheel from the outside inward.
When reversing, steering is completely opposite to driving forward. Simply put, if you want the car to go left while reversing, you need to turn the steering wheel to the right; if you want to go right, turn the wheel to the left. This is because the rear of the car is the main force when reversing—turning the steering wheel causes the rear to swing accordingly. For example: if you want to position the rear of the car toward the left corner, you should slowly turn the steering wheel to the right while gently pressing the accelerator or reversing at idle speed. Avoid turning the wheel too sharply, as sudden wheel movements can lead to loss of control. It's recommended to start with small adjustments, such as turning the wheel just a quarter or half turn, while keeping an eye on the rearview mirror to monitor obstacles behind you. Additionally, going slow is crucial—reversing too quickly increases the risk of misjudgment and collisions. Practice a few times in a parking lot, especially in tight spaces like residential complexes, and you'll get the hang of it.
When I first started reversing, I often got confused. Later, I got used to the principle of 'steer the wheel in one direction, and the rear of the car will move in the opposite direction.' For example, when backing into a parking space, turning the steering wheel to the right will make the rear of the car turn left, adjusting its position to enter the spot. The most effective method is to focus on the position of the rear wheels—gently turn the steering wheel to move the wheels, avoiding sharp turns. Keep the steering within half a turn; too much can lead to loss of control. Don’t just rely on the dashboard; also pay close attention to the side windows and the reversing camera. Once, I was in a hurry and turned the wheel too sharply, ending up scraping the wall—I regretted not taking it slower. Try to maintain a steady reversing speed; under 10 km/h is sufficient. Practice in an empty lot, and you’ll quickly get the hang of it without panicking.
