When to Steer When Turning a Car?
4 Answers
The timing for steering when turning is as follows: 1. When making a left turn and the road appears narrow, turn the steering wheel when the right corner of the car's front aligns with the roadside. 2. If the road is wide during a left turn, you can steer earlier. 3. When making a right turn on a narrow road, turn the steering wheel when the left front of the car aligns with the roadside. 4. For a right turn on a wide road, you can steer earlier. Precautions when turning: 1. Always slow down when turning the car, and avoid turning the steering wheel too quickly to prevent skidding. If the car skids, immediately release the accelerator pedal, steer the wheel toward the side of the rear-wheel skid, and wait for the car to stabilize before straightening the wheel and continuing to drive. 2. Avoid using the brake pedal when turning, especially emergency braking. 3. When turning, coordinate steering with the curve and match the speed, ensuring the turning angle is appropriate. Keep both hands on the steering wheel to prevent deviation and potential hazards.
From my decades of driving experience, the timing of steering when turning is actually most reliant on feel, but there are a few key points to remember: On regular roads when approaching a curve, you should slow down to a safe speed in advance, typically starting preparation 50 to 100 meters ahead. When you see the entrance of the curve, gently turn the steering wheel to smoothly enter the turn—avoid sudden steering to prevent fishtailing. Always keep your eyes fixed on the exit point of the curve, not on roadside trees or other cars, as this can distract you. For large curves on highways, steer slightly earlier to maintain a steady speed. Be extra cautious in rain or icy conditions since the road is slippery, requiring earlier entry into the turn to avoid losing control. Also, adjust based on the type of curve: steer earlier for sharp turns and slightly later for gentle ones. Safety always comes first—developing good habits can prevent accidents.
As a novice driver, I believe steering during turns should be learned with caution: Initially, practice turning at intersections or roundabouts by slowing down to 20-30 km/h before entering the turn, then gently start turning the steering wheel at the beginning of the curve—avoid jerking it all at once. Always keep your eyes focused on the target direction to maintain a sense of straight-line control. I remember my first time driving on a sharp mountain curve—I was so nervous and turned too late, nearly running off the road, which left me sweating in fear. Later, I followed my instructor’s advice to start steering a bit earlier. On rainy days when the road is slippery, turn even sooner and pay attention to tire conditions—worn tires have poor grip, increasing risks. Treat every turn as a learning opportunity; driving slower to arrive home safely is what truly matters.
From the perspective of vehicle operation, the timing of steering during turns is crucial: generally reduce speed before entering the curve to avoid excessive centrifugal force from high-speed entry, which could cause the vehicle to skid. Determine the entry point based on road conditions. For example, at open intersections, if speed is well controlled, you can start steering before the curve entrance and then fine-tune the throttle while turning to maintain stability. Tire grip and weather conditions are key factors. In rainy weather or on sandy/gravel roads, steer earlier to prevent loss of control. For safety, keep your eyes on the road ahead, avoid sudden steering or abrupt corrections, and leave space for other vehicles, ensuring a smooth and safe turn.
