Should You Turn the Steering Wheel in the Direction the Rear of the Car is Leaning?
2 Answers
When the rear of the car leans to one side, you should turn the steering wheel in that direction. When reversing, with the gear in reverse, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of the car to lean. For example, if you want the rear to lean right, turn the steering wheel to the right; if you want it to lean left, turn the steering wheel to the left. When turning the steering wheel, pay attention to the following aspects: The degree of steering should be observed through the rearview mirror. When reversing, adhere to the principle of "slow movement, quick steering" and reduce the reversing speed. Before reversing, stay calm and observe the surroundings clearly. Use the rearview mirror to find reference points, think through the reversing route, and proceed slowly if you're a beginner and can't react quickly. If necessary, you can even step out of the car to check the car's position, direction, and angle, ensuring safety. When adjusting the car's position, if the rear leans to one side, correct it by steering to the opposite side. Only after the direction is corrected should you continue steering to the other side to change the rear's orientation. Avoid developing the habit of turning the steering wheel while the car is stationary, as this can damage the vehicle and is also more strenuous. If you need to move the car, remember to slightly turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction just before the car comes to a complete stop after each movement.
After driving for over a decade, I finally truly understood the relationship between the steering wheel and the rear of the car. Just remember this mantra: when reversing, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of the car to go. For example, if you're backing into a garage and feel the right rear is too close to the wall, turn the steering wheel slightly to the right, and the rear will gradually move right to avoid the obstacle. This is due to the rear-wheel steering characteristics of the vehicle—when you turn the steering wheel, the wheels push the rear in the direction of the turn. A common mistake beginners make is panicking and turning the wheel the wrong way, resulting in increasingly crooked reversing. Practice a few times in an open space, use a reference point to adjust the angle, and it will become natural with habit. Keep the speed slow and use the rearview mirror to gauge the position accurately. Reversing sensors or cameras can help with positioning, but don’t rely on them entirely. Mastering control through steering wheel adjustments is the real skill.
