What is the technique for turning the steering wheel to full lock?

[DelAbigail]

The technique for turning the steering wheel to full lock is: 1. Correct steering wheel grip posture: Adjust the seat and sit upright, place left and right hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions of the steering wheel respectively, with thumbs on top and the other four fingers naturally curved underneath; 2. Distinguish between primary and secondary hands: The primary hand should not leave the steering wheel, it operates the turning while the secondary hand pushes and pulls to assist, preventing directional confusion; 3. When starting or stopping, only lightly turn the steering wheel left or right, avoiding sudden or large-angle turns; 4. For gentle curves, use small steering angles; 5. For 90-degree turns, choose the right moment to quickly turn the steering wheel fully left or right - the timing should be determined based on road width.

[DianaDella]

Every driver knows that "turning the steering wheel to the lock" means rotating it left or right until it won't turn further. This technique is particularly useful for parking in residential areas or making U-turns on narrow roads—just remember to operate at low speed. Never force the steering while the car is still moving; I've seen a buddy's tie rod get wrecked this way. After completing the turn, immediately ease the wheel back slightly to prevent the hydraulic power steering pump from whining continuously, which can lead to premature wear. If your front wheels are turned when parked, always straighten them before driving off. With a bit of practice, it'll become second nature—just avoid grinding the tires by holding the brakes while the wheels are at full lock. That screeching sound is enough to make any car enthusiast cringe for the tires.

[DeMakayla]

When encountering a right-angle turn or parallel parking, turning the steering wheel to the full lock does make things easier. After twenty years of driving, I've discovered a trick: the vehicle speed must be below 5 km/h to safely turn the wheel to full lock – the faster you go, the more damage it does to the steering gear. It's best to start turning the wheel half a second in advance when making a turn; waiting until the parking space aligns with the target is too late. When the wheel is turned to full lock, you'll feel a slight vibration in your palms, which is a signal to stop turning. After turning, don't be lazy – immediately release the wheel back by about 15 degrees. This protects the steering linkage without compromising the turning effect. Remembering this technique can extend the life of your car's steering system by several years.

[DaniellaMarie]

Turning the steering wheel to full lock is actually quite simple: just rotate it steadily to the end at low speed. However, this puts significant stress on the mechanical components, with the hydraulic power steering pump bearing the heaviest load. Therefore, avoid holding the wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds, and remember to slightly release the steering afterward. This is especially important during reverse parking, as tires will scrub against the ground in full lock position, leading to uneven wear over time. Personally, I make it a habit to count to three after full lock and immediately ease the wheel back slightly—this protects the vehicle without compromising maneuverability.