Should You Press the Accelerator When Turning or Making a U-Turn?

[McBrayden]

It depends on the situation. Whether to press the accelerator depends on the vehicle's current speed. If the speed is too high, you should not only avoid pressing the accelerator but also need to brake to slow down when turning or making a U-turn. However, if the speed is very slow, gently pressing the accelerator can increase the speed and prevent a manual transmission vehicle from stalling. The following are precautions for turning and making U-turns: Control speed: The first thing to note when turning is not to brake during the turn, as this can easily lead to loss of control, skidding, or even rolling over. You should reduce the speed to an appropriate level before entering the turn. Avoid coasting into turns: Try not to coast into turns, especially U-turns. When coasting, the engine cannot restrain the wheels' movement, and the car is essentially moving by inertia. All braking and steering operations are significantly less effective in this state.

[StTheo]

I've pondered for years whether to step on the accelerator when turning or making U-turns. It basically depends on speed and situation: at low speeds on regular curves, I usually release the accelerator and rely on braking to slow down for more stable and comfortable steering; but when exiting high-speed curves, like highway bends, gently pressing the accelerator to maintain power helps with smoother transitions. For U-turns, especially at small urban intersections, I enter the turn slowly without using the accelerator, only adding a bit after halfway through to prevent stalling or to accelerate out of the turn. Manual transmission cars require more skill, coordinating the clutch and accelerator well to avoid jerking or stalling. In heavy traffic, proper throttle control can save fuel—it's a habit I've developed over time, making driving both safe and economical.

[LawsonAnn]

When I first started learning to drive, the instructor repeatedly reminded me not to rush to step on the accelerator when turning. During daily driving, I found that when making U-turns or navigating low-speed turns, I tend to ease off the accelerator and apply a bit of brake to enter the turn, allowing the speed to naturally decrease; after turning, I check the rearview mirror clearly before gently accelerating. High-speed situations are different, such as on loop ramps, where I slightly press the accelerator to maintain speed to avoid the car behind getting too close. Beginners often make the mistake of stepping hard on the accelerator during turns, which may cause the car to fishtail or lose control. The instructor taught me to first reduce speed and then control the accelerator rhythm. It is recommended to regularly check the tire pressure and steering system of the car to avoid performing similar operations on slippery roads, which increases risks.

[ElisaAnn]

Applying throttle during turns or U-turns is not mandatory; prioritizing road conditions is key. For manual transmission vehicles, I often ease off the throttle and coast through minor bends, only gently accelerating after completing the turn. Maintaining controlled speed throughout a U-turn is crucial, with light throttle input to assist movement in tight spaces. Automatic transmission vehicles are smarter, automatically managing throttle, though I personally fine-tune manually to prevent hesitation. Racing techniques use throttle to accelerate out of corners, but avoid this on public roads—excessive throttle risks skidding or collisions with pedestrians. Exercise extra caution on wet or sandy surfaces: coast smoothly through turns to preserve suspension longevity.

[MacKing]

As an experienced city driver, I hardly need to pay much attention to the accelerator during turns or U-turns—the key lies in proper deceleration during preparation. Before making a U-turn, brake early and release the accelerator to reduce speed to a safe level before entering the turn. Once steering is stabilized, no extra throttle is needed; only when feeling a lack of power should you gently press the accelerator pedal. High-speed turns are different, such as exiting a highway ramp, where a light touch on the accelerator maintains smooth flow and prevents rear-end collisions. Add a bit of throttle when the car is heavy or going uphill to assist in turning. Regular maintenance of the engine and transmission can reduce sudden throttle demands. Remember, reckless acceleration in sharp turns amplifies centrifugal force—cultivating anticipation habits ensures safer and more efficient driving.