Best hand position on the steering wheel | Tips & Tricks

Contents

• The Convenience of Power-Assisted Steering
• Proper Hand Position On Steering Wheel
• Steering While Reversing
• Steering Technique for Road Bends
• 3 Crucial Tips for Holding Your Steering Wheel
• FAQ

During your initial driving lesson, one of the first things you'll learn is how to use the steering driving wheel. Don't worry, it's something you'll get the hang of fast!

Hand positions on the steering wheel connect to front wheels for vehicle control.

The Convenience of Power Steering

Modern cars could be large and heavy, making it tough to steer at gradual speeds. That's where power-assisted steering comes in handy. It's designed to make steering easier, especially when you're moving slowly, so your vehicle is more maneuverable.

To check if your power steering is functioning correctly, simply apply a bit of pressure to the steering wheel when you start the engine. You should notice a significant difference. When it's working well, the wheel feels light and turns effortlessly.

However, if the steering feels heavy between this test or while you're driving, that's a sign of a problem. It's advisable to consult a qualified mechanic for assistance.

Proper Hand Position On Steering Wheel

Hold the car steering wheel at either 10 to 2 or a bit lower, around quarter to 3. Use a gentle grip and steer using the push-pull method. This means sliding and turning the wheel between your two hands without crossing them over the top of the wheel. It's efficient, and it keeps your hands close to the auxiliary controls if you need them.Hold the car steering wheel at either 10 to 2 or a bit lower, around quarter to 3. Use a gentle grip and steer using the push-pull method. This means sliding and turning the wheel between your two hands without crossing them over the top of the wheel. It's efficient, and it keeps your hands close to the auxiliary controls if you need them.

Avoid letting the steering wheel spin back through your hands when straightening it out.

Always use both hands on the steering wheel, unless you're operating the gear lever or other controls with one hand.

Inside the modern car's steering wheel, there's an airbag. These airbags inflate during a collision through an electrical discharge.

If your arms are crossed over the steering wheel when the airbag deploys, you risk injuring your arms and hands. We want to avoid that!

Maintaining a light grip is important for safety, as is using the push-pull method of steering. If you grip the wheel tightly with your fingers and thumbs and encounter something like a curb or a pothole, you might lose control as the wheel spins out of your hands. This could lead to broken fingers or thumbs if they're wrapped around the wheel!

This situation is rare during regular driving, but if you venture off-road where potholes and rocks are common, it's better to be safe. Take care of your fingers and thumbs and keep them away from the inside of the steering wheel.

The steering wheel is adjustable in height and can be pushed in or pulled out to suit your preference. There are also auxiliary controls like wipers and turn signals within easy reach. In some foreign cars, you might find the gear lever mounted on the steering column.

Steering While Reversing

When you're in reverse gear, you're looking through the rear window, which can make holding the steering wheel with both hands a bit tricky. If you're reversing straight, you can use just one hand on top of the steering wheel. If you need to steer while reversing, it's better to use both hands—one on top of the wheel and the other lower down, around the 7 o'clock position.

Remember, there's a slight delay in how the steering wheel responds when you're reversing and steering. It's essential to practice and remember which way to turn when in reverse. This can be confusing for new drivers who often turn the wrong way when they engage in reverse gear.

It takes some practice, but don't worry; you'll get the hang of it with time and experience.

Steering Technique for Road Bends

When you're coming up to a right-hand bend, move your right hand up towards the top of the wheel (around 1 o'clock on the clock face). This position prepares you for pulling down on the wheel to steer around the curve.

For a left-hand bend, prepare by moving your left hand up (around 11 o'clock on the clock face). This positioning helps you navigate the bend smoothly.

3 Essential Tips for Holding Your Steering Wheel

Here are three crucial tips for holding your steering wheel:

Hand Placement: Position your hands on the steering wheel at either the "10 and 2 o'clock" positions or the "9 and 3 o'clock" positions. This ensures a balanced grip and better control of the vehicle. Avoid holding the wheel and driving with one hand or at the bottom, as this can reduce your ability to react quickly.

Light Grip: Maintain a light but firm grip on the steering wheel. Squeezing it tightly can cause fatigue and make it harder to steer smoothly. Keep your fingers and thumbs relaxed around the wheel, allowing for more precise and comfortable control.

Avoid Crossed Hands: Use the "push-pull" steering method rather than crossing your hands over the wheel. To turn, push the wheel up with one hand while pulling it down with the other. This technique minimizes the risk of injury from the airbag deployment and provides smoother steering. Only release one hand from the wheel when necessary, such as when shifting gears or operating auxiliary controls.

Follow these tips to enhance your driving safety and maintain better control of your vehicle.

FAQ

How Far Away Should You Be From The Steering Wheel?

You should sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel to ensure safe airbag deployment in case of an accident.

Where Should Your Hands Be On The Steering Wheel?

Your hands should be at the 9 and 3 steering wheel positions for optimal control and safety.

Is It Illegal To Drive With One Hand?

While it's not illegal to drive with one hand, it's safer to use both hands on the wheel, especially in challenging situations.

How To Straighten Steering Wheel?

To straighten the steering wheel, simply grip it firmly with both hands and turn it in the direction you want to go until the wheel is aligned.