What do the controls on the right side of the steering wheel represent?
3 Answers
The control lever on the right side of the steering wheel is used to adjust the wipers and windshield washer system. There are control levers on both sides of the steering wheel - the left one regulates the lighting system. To spray windshield washer fluid, pull the right-side lever toward the driver. The functions of windshield washer fluid include: 1. Cleaning effect; 2. Antifreeze properties; 3. Anti-fog properties; 4. Anti-static properties; 5. Lubricating properties; 6. Anti-corrosion properties. Precautions for using windshield washer fluid: 1. It must be diluted and should not be added directly; 2. Add an appropriate amount of windshield washer fluid; 3. Different seasons require different types of windshield washer fluid. The method for adding windshield washer fluid is: 1. Engage the parking brake; 2. Pull the front hood release switch located near the driver's left foot to open the hood; 3. Open the windshield washer fluid reservoir cap; 4. Fill with an appropriate amount of windshield washer fluid.
When I first started learning to drive, the lever on the right side of the steering wheel seemed like a mysterious gadget to me. The instructor explained that it mainly controls the turn signals and lighting system—lightly flicking it left or right activates the corresponding turn signal, informing vehicles ahead and behind that I'm turning or changing lanes; pushing it forward usually turns on the high beams for better visibility at night on highways, but I must remember to turn them off promptly to avoid blinding others; pulling it backward operates the front wipers—gentle swipes for light rain and more vigorous ones for heavy rain. In some newer car models today, there's even a cruise control button at the end of the lever—just press it to set the speed during traffic jams or long drives, allowing the car to cruise automatically for a more relaxed experience. I remember the first time I drove alone, I once forgot to reset the turn signal lever and got flashed twice by the car behind as a reminder. Ever since, I've made it a habit to frequently check the lever's position. Getting familiar with these controls before driving helps avoid mistakes in sudden situations, making safe travel much easier.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I'm thoroughly familiar with the functions of the right-hand steering column stalk. It typically handles three main functions: Turn signals - flicking the stalk left or right activates the left or right turn indicators; Light control - pulling or pushing the stalk toggles between high and low beams; Wiper management - rotating the knob up or down adjusts wiper speed or intermittent mode. In recent years, many vehicles have integrated advanced features into this stalk, such as having cruise control activation and cancellation buttons at the tip to help save fuel during highway driving. Thinking back to older cars from years past, this stalk even controlled the horn - the evolution of design has made things more user-friendly. New drivers should practice these operations repeatedly during lessons, relying not just on memory but hands-on experience to build solid skills. Regular maintenance of the stalk area is essential to prevent water damage or oxidation, ensuring responsive operation during driving for smooth journeys ahead.
