When to Steer the Wheel During a Vehicle Turn?
2 Answers
Vehicle steering timing during turns: 1. For left turns on narrow roads: Steer when the right front corner of the vehicle aligns with the roadside. On wider roads, you can steer slightly earlier. 2. For right turns on narrow roads: Steer when the left front corner of the vehicle aligns with the roadside. On wider roads, you can steer slightly earlier. 3. Steering principles for turns: Gentle turns (steer early and slowly, return early and slowly), sharp turns (steer late and quickly, return early and quickly). 4. During turns, be careful not to scrape the right side or let the rear wheels leave the road surface, and pay attention to the inner wheel difference. 5. If there are obstacles on the roadside, start steering when the person is roughly parallel to the obstacle. Begin returning the wheel when the vehicle is almost but not completely straight after the turn. 6. Do not wait until the vehicle is completely straight before returning the wheel, as there is a process from steering to straightening the vehicle.
In my years of driving experience, the timing of turning the steering wheel actually relies on anticipation and a feel for the car. I always adjust based on the sharpness of the curve and the speed: gently turn the wheel for gradual curves, and start turning early for sharp curves. For example, when encountering a large curve on the highway, I ease off the accelerator hundreds of meters in advance and turn the wheel slowly to allow the car to transition smoothly. When making a left turn in the city, I first check the gap in the red light, confirm there are no pedestrians or cars, and then turn the wheel—this way, it’s less likely to panic. At higher speeds, you need to be even more careful; turning the steering wheel too sharply or quickly could cause a skid, especially in the rain when rear-wheel slippage is extremely dangerous. Remember to look far ahead toward the end of the curve, and the steering wheel will naturally follow your gaze—don’t fixate on the hood and overthink it. For safety, don’t forget to use your turn signal before turning; signaling gives others peace of mind.
