What does 'return as much as you turn' mean?
2 Answers
It refers to the automatic return of the steering wheel. For example, if you turn the steering wheel one full turn to the left and then let go while continuing to drive, the steering wheel will automatically return one full turn to the right. 'Return as much as you turn' is specifically about lane changing. When driving at a constant speed on a straight and level road, if you want to overtake, first turn on the turn signal—this is very important—and then turn the steering wheel to the left. If the car is moving quickly, the angle of the steering wheel turn should be very small. Additional information: First, it's essential to clearly know whether you've turned the steering wheel one full turn or half a turn. Generally, the steering wheel will have the car's brand logo, which has distinct top, bottom, left, and right orientations. Therefore, based on the car brand logo, you can easily distinguish between a half turn and a full turn. After turning one full turn, the position of the car brand logo and the horn remains unchanged. After turning half a turn, the brand logo and the horn will be upside down.
In the automotive world, "turn the wheel as much as you steer" generally refers to how much the steering wheel is turned, the wheels follow suit, indicating that the steering system responds directly and accurately. For example, when driving some older cars with mechanical steering and no power assistance, the wheels respond immediately as soon as the steering wheel is moved, giving a particularly firm feel. However, most new cars now come with electronic power steering. Although the tuning may vary, maintaining this characteristic is crucial for driving safety, especially when making sharp turns or avoiding obstacles for quick reactions. If the steering feels sluggish or has too much play, it indicates a problem with the system, possibly due to clogged oil lines or faulty sensors, and should be repaired promptly to avoid accidents. Over the years of driving various cars, I've found that steering precision directly affects both the fun of driving and the safety factor. I recommend everyone pay attention to changes in steering feel during daily driving.