When to Straighten the Steering Wheel When Turning?
2 Answers
Straighten the steering wheel after the car's front has turned past ninety degrees when turning. The method for steering is: 1. Control the steering wheel by pushing with the left hand and pulling with the right hand in a smooth and gentle motion; 2. When holding the steering wheel, support it with your hands to reduce bad driving habits; 3. Turn the steering wheel more for sharper turns and less for gentler turns, and return it quickly and accurately. The function of the steering wheel is: to convert the force applied by the driver on the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft, thereby controlling the car. The working principle of the steering wheel is: the steering mechanism converts circular motion into linear motion through a rack and pinion, pushing the wheels to rotate via the steering linkage, achieving the car's steering function.
As a veteran long-haul truck driver with decades of experience, I believe the timing of straightening the steering wheel after a turn is crucial. Usually, when the vehicle completes the turn and the front starts aligning with the new direction, I begin to straighten the wheel gradually. Don't turn it back all at once, as that can make the vehicle unstable and wobble. For example, after a turn on the highway, I make it a habit to first check if the road ahead has straightened, then steadily return the steering wheel; at urban intersections, before straightening, I ensure there are no vehicles or pedestrians interfering. This technique not only ensures smooth driving but also reduces tire wear and saves fuel—keeping the wheel turned for too long can cause severe wear on the tire edges. The key is to combine sensory inputs: visually confirming if the road is straight, along with feeling whether the steering wheel naturally centers. I always remind beginners that mastering this habit can prevent accidents caused by veering. From a vehicle dynamics perspective, straightening too early or too late is dangerous; with more practice, you can pinpoint the precise moment. The key is to practice more to grasp the perfect timing.
