What kind of car has the steering wheel on the right?

[GrahamFitz]

Vehicles with the steering wheel on the right are called right-hand drive cars. The function of the steering wheel is to convert the force applied by the driver on the steering wheel's edge into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft, thereby controlling the vehicle. The working principle of the steering wheel is: the steering mechanism converts circular motion into linear motion through a rack and pinion system, pushing the wheels to rotate via the steering linkage, thus achieving the vehicle's steering function. The methods for turning the steering wheel are: 1. Control the steering wheel by pushing with the left hand and pulling with the right hand in a smooth, even motion; 2. When holding the steering wheel, support it with your hands to reduce bad driving habits; 3. When turning the steering wheel, use more turns for larger adjustments, fewer turns for smaller adjustments, and quick turns for rapid responses. When returning the steering wheel, do so quickly and accurately.

[Damian]

When it comes to right-hand drive cars, my first thought is the models commonly seen in Commonwealth countries. Japanese cars like Toyota and Honda's Japanese domestic market versions, British-made MINIs and Jaguars, and Australian Holden pickups all have steering wheels on the right. In fact, over 50 countries and regions that drive on the left side of the road use right-hand drive vehicles, including taxis on the streets of Hong Kong and Macau. The interior layouts of these cars are completely mirrored, with the wiper and turn signal stalk positions opposite to left-hand drive cars, requiring some adaptation for new drivers. Here's an interesting fact: some countries allow the import of right-hand drive cars but require driving on the right side of the road, such as Russia, where drivers' visibility during overtaking can be affected.

[Clarisse]

My neighbor drove a right-hand drive car when studying in the UK, and he said the hardest thing to get used to was shifting gears with his left hand. There are generally two types of right-hand drive models: one is specifically produced by automakers for right-hand drive markets, like the Thailand-spec Honda Civic; the other is converted right-hand drive vehicles, where some parallel importers modify the steering wheel of left-hand drive cars (e.g., U.S.-spec models) to the right side. However, converted right-hand drive cars may have steering system compatibility issues, so extra caution is needed when buying used. Additionally, global models like the Subaru BRZ and Mazda MX-5 have factory right-hand drive versions, and even Lamborghini offers right-hand drive customization, though import tariffs can be significantly higher.

[DiOscar]

After spending a long time in the car community, I've noticed there are quite a few right-hand drive (RHD) car enthusiasts. Besides the well-known Japanese JDM performance cars, models like the British Land Rover Defender, Indian Tata Nano, and Malaysian Proton cars are all RHD designs. Vintage car enthusiasts pay special attention to Japanese RHD Crown models exported in the 70s and 80s, where even the air conditioning knobs were installed in reverse. However, driving RHD vehicles in mainland China requires Hong Kong or Macau license plates - regular plates only permit left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles as RHD cars are prohibited by policy. Converted RHD vehicles also face strict annual inspections, where any slight deviation in the steering system leads to immediate disqualification.

[DeSophia]

Once at Shenzhen Bay, I saw a right-hand drive Alphard from Hong Kong, and the driver's seat was actually on the right! The tour guide said it was specifically designed for left-hand traffic regions, with right-hand drive cars accounting for about 30% globally. The largest right-hand drive market is Japan, where 86% of cars on the street have the steering wheel on the right. These cars have the 10th digit of their VIN marked as RHD (Right-Hand Drive). Interestingly, right-hand drive car designs also vary: British cars tend to position the accelerator slightly to the left, while Japanese cars prefer placing the cup holder on the left side of the steering wheel, making it super convenient to grab a drink at a red light.

[SanAthena]

Those who have driven right-hand drive cars know the novelty. The first time starting it, I almost reached for the right door to find the keyhole, and always hesitated about which lever to pull when turning. The biggest advantage of right-hand drive cars is better visibility for small turns when driving on the left, especially for left turns where you can clearly see oncoming traffic. The downside is the danger of overtaking in right-hand traffic countries, and having to unbuckle the seatbelt to grab a ticket at toll booths. For example, some Australian farmers specifically buy right-hand drive pickup trucks because getting in and out is always on the roadside. Currently, parallel imported right-hand drive vehicles are mostly used commercial vehicles like second-hand Toyota Hiace, and you need to confirm if they can be registered locally before buying.