How to Steer When Turning a Car?

[LukeAnn]

Operation method for sharp turns: When steering on sharp curves, you can use the method of turning the steering wheel at a large angle with alternating hands. For example, when turning right, pull the steering wheel with your right hand to between the 5 and 6 o'clock positions and release it, then grasp between the 10 and 11 o'clock positions with your right hand over your right wrist to pull the steering wheel, while moving your left hand to between the 6 and 7 o'clock positions to continue pushing the steering wheel. Special reminder: When the wheels skid to the right, avoid turning the steering wheel to the left to prevent lateral skidding. The opposite applies when the wheels skid to the left. When steering on sharp curves, you can use the method of turning the steering wheel at a large angle with alternating hands, commonly referred to as "large alternating grip". Operation method for gentle turns: 1. When turning on relatively straight and gentle curves, you can keep your hands in the same position on the steering wheel and turn it simultaneously. 2. Both hands should be positioned on the left and right sides of the steering wheel rim, with thumbs naturally extended upward and resting against the rim, and the other four fingers gripping the rim from the outside inward. Sudden steering and quick return method: Often used when the vehicle skids on muddy roads. When the wheels skid to the right, immediately release the accelerator pedal, turn the steering wheel sharply to the right and hold it firmly. When the rear of the vehicle returns to a straight line, straighten the steering wheel and control the speed, ensuring that the steering wheel does not swing left and right.

[StNorah]

When making turns while driving, I prefer using the hand-over-hand steering method for more stable control. First, naturally grip the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. When turning left, push the wheel to the left with your right hand while your left hand follows to catch the wheel, then continue turning. The same applies for right turns—push with your left hand and catch with your right. This method works well for most road turns, especially 90-degree city corners or roundabouts. After completing the turn, remember to straighten the wheel promptly—don’t let it snap back on its own, as this may cause drifting. Speed is also crucial; turning too fast can lead to loss of control. I usually slow down to 20-30 km/h before steering, while also checking mirrors and using turn signals for added safety. After the turn, observe the road before accelerating—this makes the whole process much smoother.

[BraxtonRose]

Navigating turns on mountain roads really tests your steering control. When approaching consecutive S-curves, I slow down in advance, keep both hands firmly on the wheel, and turn gradually. For sharp hairpin turns, you need to crank the wheel significantly like twisting a rope—but avoid jerking it, applying steady and even force instead. On wet or snowy slippery surfaces, reduce the steering angle and make light adjustments to maintain tire grip. During nighttime turns, I further reduce speed to prevent understeering caused by unclear visibility of the curve radius. Remember to lean slightly toward the apex of the turn; this helps better sense the vehicle’s tilt and adjust your steering rhythm. When exiting the turn, look ahead to the straightaway before accelerating to prevent fishtailing or loss of control.

[LaneFitz]

Beginners often make three common mistakes when practicing turns: First, turning the wheel with one hand, which makes it impossible to react quickly in emergencies. Second, staring at the steering wheel instead of the road while turning—I recommend using peripheral vision to gauge the steering angle while keeping focus on the road ahead and side mirrors. Third, jerking the wheel back too harshly, which damages the steering mechanism with loud cracking sounds. The correct approach is to anticipate the turn path beforehand, keep both hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions during the turn, and adjust the steering angle based on the speed of the roadside line movement in the mirrors. A 90-degree turn usually requires half to a full turn of the wheel, while a gentle curve needs only about one-third. Avoid accelerating too soon after the turn—wait until the car is fully straightened before speeding up.

[LaLincoln]

After driving different models, I found significant variations in steering wheel operation. For example, family sedans have light and responsive steering, requiring only slight turns when cornering, while SUVs have heavier steering wheels that demand more effort to turn. Once, when driving a friend's vintage car, I noticed the steering had considerable play, requiring me to initiate turns earlier to align properly. Delivering goods in a van requires extra attention—its long body means a larger turning radius, often needing an extra half-turn of the wheel for U-turns on narrow roads. Electric power steering feels particularly sensitive; a gentle nudge can change direction, so you must control your grip to avoid oversteering. Adjusting your steering feel to match the vehicle's characteristics is key—with practice, muscle memory develops naturally, allowing you to handle any car smoothly.