What is the function of variable steering ratio?
4 Answers
Variable steering ratio function can reduce the number of steering wheel turns, achieving better steering performance at low speeds and improving the vehicle's maneuverability. Here are two benefits of the variable steering ratio function: 1. Convenience: The variable steering ratio function allows the steering wheel to be fully turned with just one rotation when the vehicle speed is low, while at higher speeds, it requires one and a half turns as usual to fully turn the steering wheel. 2. Enhanced steering stability: The variable steering ratio adjusts the steering gear ratio based on the vehicle's speed and steering angle. When the vehicle is at low speed or stationary, the steering angle is larger, and the variable steering ratio function provides a smaller steering gear ratio. During high-speed driving or when the steering ratio is small, it provides a larger steering gear ratio, thereby improving the stability of the vehicle during steering.
I've been driving for over a decade and found variable gear ratio steering particularly handy at low speeds. For example, when reversing in residential areas or making U-turns on narrow roads, you only need to turn the steering wheel slightly for the wheels to make a large angle change—one smooth turn does the trick, eliminating the need for constant back-and-forth adjustments. At highway speeds, it automatically adjusts to make the steering feel more substantial, where slight movements won't cause the car to sway unpredictably, reducing hand fatigue during long drives. This feature also minimizes the risk of oversteering at high speeds, especially on slippery rainy roads, keeping the vehicle's trajectory steadier and enhancing driving confidence.
I value driving comfort highly, and what impresses me most about variable steering ratio is not having to frequently adjust the steering wheel. When maneuvering at low speeds, a light turn makes the wheels respond quickly, saving time and effort. On long-distance drives, the system increases the steering ratio, making the steering wheel heavier but more precise, preventing panic when encountering crosswinds or bumpy roads. It adapts like an intelligent assistant to different speeds, avoiding understeer during sharp turns and making emergency maneuvers more composed. The key benefit is reduced arm fatigue over long drives, especially during frequent turns in traffic jams.
Simply put, variable steering ratio makes the steering wheel light and agile at low speeds, while stable and reliable at high speeds. In urban areas, the steering wheel turns less while the wheels turn more, making parking much quicker. On highways, turning the steering wheel the same angle results in only a slight wheel movement, preventing unintentional lane departure. This transformation is achieved through complex gear design, enabling the car to intelligently adapt to different road conditions. The key point is that drivers don't need to adjust anything manually - the system automatically matches the steering ratio, making it easy for even beginners to handle.
