Should the steering wheel be turned towards the wider side in an S-curve?
2 Answers
In an S-curve, you should turn the steering wheel towards the wider side. Here are some tips for navigating an S-curve: 1. Precautions: Use the rearview mirror to check behind you. If the rear of the car is wider on one side, turn the wheel in that direction. If you're inexperienced, avoid reversing too quickly and make corrections as needed to prevent collisions. Generally, avoid turning the wheel all the way to prevent scraping the front corners of the car. It's best to have someone observe and guide you from outside the car. 2. Principle: Steering follows the rule of 'turn as much as you need to correct, turn quickly to correct quickly, turn slowly to correct slowly.' For example, if the left rear of the car is wider, turn the wheel 90 degrees to the left. When you're about to achieve the desired position, turn the wheel 90 degrees back to the right. The same logic applies to the speed of turning.
Having driven in mountainous areas for decades, my experience tells me that handling S-curves well isn't just about steering—it's crucial to observe road changes. If the outside of the curve suddenly widens, I slightly steer outward to keep the wheels better aligned with the outer edge, reducing the risk of sliding inward. But don't oversteer; at high speeds or in rainy conditions, sharp turns can easily lead to loss of control. I recommend slowing down to a safe speed in advance and looking far ahead to plan your route. By adapting to the curve's width changes, you can also take the opportunity to check your rearview mirror and ensure a safe following distance. Remember, S-curves require continuous, smooth movements—maintaining stability is key. Practice more in simulated road conditions to develop a feel for it.
