How to Use Reference Points and Steer the Wheel in an S-Turn with a Manual Transmission?
3 Answers
At the same time, follow the principle of taking the outer line. Generally, the first turn is a left turn, so you should drive close to the right side. While driving, maintain the left corner of the car pressing against the right line by turning the steering wheel 90 degrees left and right. After completing the right line of the first turn, the left corner of the car will have left the right line. Keep the steering wheel steady at this point until the right corner of the car touches the right line, then straighten the wheel. When you see the left one-third of the engine hood meet the left line of the right turn, first turn the steering wheel one full turn to the right and continue driving. Once the car exits the turn, align the front of the car with the exit of the S-turn, straighten the wheel, and continue driving forward to exit the curve test area.
Driving a manual transmission through S-curves requires coordination between the hood reference point and hand speed. I usually start by positioning the car on the right side of the lane before entering the first curve. When the left corner of the hood aligns with the right boundary line, quickly turn the steering wheel one full turn to the left while lightly tapping the accelerator with the right foot to maintain power. Use the left foot to control the clutch at half-engagement, keeping the speed below 10 km/h. Keep your eyes fixed on the reference point on the hood, following the boundary line, and make slight steering adjustments when the point starts to deviate. For the second curve, straighten the wheel immediately when the hood aligns with the left boundary line, then turn one and a half turns to the right when the right corner of the hood touches the left boundary line, using the reference point to follow the left boundary line. Keep your gaze focused on the exit of the curve rather than staring at the steering wheel to avoid disrupting the rhythm. Wear soft-soled shoes to better feel the clutch depth, and avoid gripping the steering wheel too tightly to prevent oversteering.
Driving a manual transmission through S-curves is actually about vision and coordination. When turning, I tend to keep the car as close to the outer side as possible, which provides more space for maneuvering. For left turns, I focus on the left rearview mirror to monitor the rear wheel position and start turning the steering wheel by about 270 degrees when the rear wheel approaches the left boundary. At this point, a slight throttle is needed to prevent stalling, while the left foot partially depresses the clutch to control speed. After completing the left turn, quickly straighten the steering wheel as the car body nears alignment, then immediately prepare for the right turn by turning the wheel another 270 degrees to the right. Keep your eyes following the curve throughout—don’t just focus on the ground close to you, or you’ll miss the turning points. Maintain a slow speed, ideally 5-10 km/h in manual transmission, and steer with a balance of firmness and smoothness.
