What is the lever next to the steering wheel for?
4 Answers
The lever below the car steering wheel can be moved up, down, left, and right. The lever on the left side of the steering wheel is for operating the car lights, while the lever on the right side is for the windshield wipers. Below are the functions of these two levers: 1. Functions of the left lever: Pushing the lever up activates the right turn signal, pushing it down activates the left turn signal. Turning the lever to the first small notch switches on the parking lights, and turning it to the second small notch switches on the headlights. Pulling it up activates the car's flashing light device. 2. Functions of the right lever: Pushing the right lever down turns on the windshield wiper function, which is used during rain or when the front windshield is not clear. The wipers have three modes: high, medium, and low, all adjustable via the lever. There is also a button on the lever for the wiper washer function. Both levers are frequently used during daily driving, so it is important to understand their functions and how to use them properly.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and that lever next to the steering wheel is incredibly practical—it's mainly used for turn signals. When making a turn, pushing it forward activates the left signal, while pulling it backward flashes the right one. A light tap can briefly blink it a few times, which is handy for lane changes to alert others. In my old car, it also controlled the headlights—lifting it up turned on the high beams, and pushing it down adjusted the low beams. On rainy days, it manages the wipers too—turning it clockwise speeds them up, while counterclockwise slows them down, making it very convenient. I remember once on the highway, changing lanes safely relied entirely on it promptly signaling the car behind to avoid a rear-end collision. Though small, it’s an essential part of daily driving, designed quite ergonomically, though beginners might need some practice to get the hang of it. Features vary by car model, with more advanced versions even integrating cruise control, but its core purpose is to make driving smoother and safer.
When I first started learning to drive, I was always curious about the lever next to the steering wheel. The instructor said it was the turn signal lever, used before making turns: push it forward to activate the left turn signal, alerting cars on the left of your intention to turn left; pull it backward to light up the right turn signal, indicating a right turn. A light tap can trigger a brief flash, perfect for lane-changing scenarios. Later, when I started driving on my own, I discovered it wasn't just for turn signals—in my compact car, it also controls the headlights: flipping it up switches the headlights, while flipping it down sets the low beams. On some chilly mornings, it even adjusts the wiper speed with a twist of the knob. The first time I drove on the highway in the rain, using it frequently to signal other cars made me feel much safer. However, it's worth noting that the lever can sometimes get stiff with prolonged use, so it's advisable to maintain it regularly and check the wiring to avoid malfunctions at critical moments. All in all, this lever makes driving easier, but it takes practice to use it smoothly.
I think that lever is crucial for ensuring driving safety. It's used to activate the turn signals, indicating to others when you're turning: push forward for the left signal and pull back for the right signal. A light temporary touch is very useful for lane changes. Without it, other drivers wouldn't be able to guess your intentions, which could easily lead to accidents. In some vehicles, it also controls the high beams, low beams, and wiper speed, enhancing control efficiency. Personally, I make it a habit to regularly clean the lever to prevent dust buildup that could cause poor contact.
