When moving forward, in which direction do the rear wheels turn when the steering wheel is turned left?
3 Answers
When the car is moving forward and the steering wheel is turned left, the rear of the car swings to the right. When the car is reversing, turning the steering wheel to the left causes the rear to swing to the left. While reversing, the wheels turn in the same direction as the steering wheel. Cars use the front wheels to change direction. Under normal circumstances, the rear wheels face forward. Only when the car is turning do the rear wheels follow the direction of the front wheels, though the rear wheels' turning angle is smaller than that of the front wheels. When using the steering wheel, avoid sudden turns. For sharp turns, steer early and slowly, alternating hands on the wheel. This method is not only less strenuous but also improves driving safety. Key points for reversing: adjust the interior rearview mirror; frequently check both side mirrors to avoid blind spots; control speed—keep it below 2 meters per second; stop for pedestrians and oncoming traffic; use the reversing camera to judge distance accurately; avoid using the accelerator while reversing.
After years of driving, I've noticed that when you turn the steering wheel to the left, the front wheels will definitely follow and turn left. This basic principle is just like driving a go-kart—turn the wheel in any direction, and the wheels will lean that way. However, there's a proportional relationship between the steering wheel's turning angle and the actual turning angle of the wheels, generally ranging between 12:1 and 20:1. When turning, pay attention to tire wear, as the inner tires bear more friction and tend to wear out faster. Once, before a long trip, I didn’t check the tires, and during a turn, the car felt a bit floaty. It wasn’t until I replaced the tires that I felt secure again. When the steering feels light, the tires also have better grip, so driving slower in the rain is safer.
Last time when teaching a friend to drive, I specifically demonstrated the effect of turning the steering wheel to the left. Beginners often think that a slight turn of the steering wheel will cause the car to swerve sharply, but in reality, the wheels only tilt slightly to the left, resulting in a slow turn. Nowadays, many cars are equipped with a variable steering ratio system, where the steering wheel turns less but the wheels turn more at low speeds, making reverse parking more convenient. Before making a turn, I always check the rearview mirror to ensure the blind spot is safe, especially when driving at night—the lights must illuminate the direction I intend to turn. Last time in the suburbs, I encountered heavy fog and avoided an accident by signaling early and turning left slowly.
