Steering
? Questions:
Hand position :
NB: For vehicles with an airbag, DO NOT use the 10-2 o'clock positions on the wheel as your arms will get in the way of the airbag being deployed which could lead to the breakage of your arms and/or your hands as projectiles into your face. Use the 9-3 or 8-4 o' clock positions. This will keep your hands and arms out of the way of the airbag and is also where the steering controls on modern cars are located.
Steering Techniques :
Overarm: Only use at lower speeds or when reversing. Bear in mind that when your arm covers the area of the airbag, you are in danger if the airbag should be deployed. Sliding: At higher speeds, do not use the overarm technique. Use the sliding technique, keeping your hands on the side of the steering and out of the way of the airbag. The higher the speed of the vehicle, the finer, or smaller, and slower the adjustments of the steering need to be. This technique gives you finer control over the steering which is better at higher speeds, as per the point above.
Understeer:
Causes: Turning the steering to quickly, or too much for the speed the vehicle is traveling. The traction on the front of the vehicle is less than the back and so the front breaks away or loses grip. Accelerating too much with a front wheel drive vehicle while in the turn. Slippery road surface. Correcting: Easing off the throttle which will transfer weight of the vehicle forward pressing the front tires down on the road and improving grip. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. This is counterintuitive and a person would instinctively want to force the car to rotate by turning the steering even more in the direction away from the slide, however by doing this, the front tires have even less chance to grip again.
Oversteer:
Causes: Accelerating too much while in the corner with a rear- wheel-drive vehicle. Lifting off the throttle suddenly while in a turn such that the weight transfers to the front of the vehicle, decreasing the downward force of the rear tires onto the road. Excessive braking so that once again weight is transferred to the front of the vehicle and thereby reducing the downward pressure of the rear wheels onto the road. Correcting: There is not much you can do with the throttle to correct the slide and all your attention will be best used to focus on corrective steering instead. Once again turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. The quicker you can respond to the slide the better because the larger the angle of the slide becomes the more the rotation of the steering wheel in the direction of the slide needs to be. Beware of overcorrecting, which can be more disastrous than the initial slide. See point below:
Overcorrecting:
Cause: The danger when correcting a problem with oversteer is that an inexperienced driver will tend to overcorrect. This will cause the back of the vehicle to start sliding in the opposite direction. The driver then overcorrects for that and the vehicle once again starts sliding in the opposite direction again. This continues and with each overcorrection the slide becomes greater and greater until the vehicle finally loses control. Preventing: Much as it will go against your natural instincts, do not overcorrect which will be more dangerous than the initial slide. Try to keep the front wheels facing the direction of the slide. As the back of the vehicle starts to gain traction again and straightens out, lessen the correction on the steering wheel and straighten out the steering, making sure you don't turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction. This is the key to prevent overcorrecting and that is to straighten out the steering as the vehicle itself straightens out. It is when the driver keeps the steering turned as the vehicle straightens out that the overcorrecting takes place.
? Can the steering wheel lock while driving?
Key Removal : Some vehicles have a steering wheel lock mechanism that engages when you remove the ignition key. This is a security feature to prevent the vehicle from being driven without the key. If the steering wheel is turned slightly when the key is removed, the lock may engage. Ignition Malfunction : In rare cases, a malfunction in the ignition or steering column mechanism could cause the steering wheel lock to engage unexpectedly while driving.
What to Do If the Steering Wheel Locks While Driving:
Remain Calm : If you feel the steering wheel become difficult to turn or if it locks unexpectedly, stay calm and try not to panic. Check Key Position : Ensure that the ignition key is fully inserted and turned to the correct position. Sometimes, slight movement or repositioning of the key can release the steering wheel lock. Pull Over Safely : If you cannot release the steering wheel lock while driving, safely pull over to the side of the road or to a safe location as soon as possible. Turn Off and Restart : Turn off the ignition, wait for a moment, and then try to restart the vehicle. This action may reset any electronic systems related to the steering wheel lock. Seek Assistance : If you cannot resolve the issue yourself, contact a qualified mechanic or roadside assistance for help. Driving with a locked steering wheel is unsafe and should be addressed promptly.
? Why steering wheel feels stiff?
Low Power Steering Fluid : The power steering system uses hydraulic fluid to assist in turning the steering wheel. If the fluid level is low or the fluid is old and degraded, it can cause the steering wheel to feel stiff. Faulty Power Steering Pump : The power steering pump pressurizes the hydraulic fluid. If the pump is failing or malfunctioning, it may not provide adequate hydraulic pressure, leading to stiff steering. Belt Issues : The belt that drives the power steering pump may be loose, worn out, or slipping. This can reduce the pump's efficiency in providing power steering assistance. Steering Components : Issues with steering components such as tie rods, ball joints, or steering linkage can cause resistance and make the steering wheel feel stiff or difficult to turn. Low Tire Pressure : Low tire pressure can increase rolling resistance, making the vehicle harder to steer. This can sometimes give the impression of a stiff steering wheel.
What to Do If Your Steering Wheel Feels Stiff:
Check Power Steering Fluid : Inspect the power steering fluid level and condition. If it's low, top it up with the manufacturer-recommended fluid. If it's dirty or degraded, consider flushing and replacing the fluid. Inspect Belts : Check the condition and tension of the drive belt(s) that operate the power steering pump. Replace any worn or damaged belts. Check for Leaks : Look for signs of leaks in the power steering system, such as puddles under the vehicle or wet spots on hoses and connections. Leaks can cause fluid loss, leading to stiff steering. Professional Inspection : If you're unable to identify the cause or resolve the issue yourself, it's advisable to have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the necessary repairs or adjustments.
? Are steering wheel covers safe?
Grip and Control : A good steering wheel cover can improve grip and control, especially in extreme temperatures (hot or cold) or if the steering wheel surface is worn or slippery. Comfort : They can provide additional comfort, especially for long drives, by cushioning the hands and reducing vibrations. Protection : Steering wheel covers can protect the original steering wheel from wear and tear, UV damage, and scratches.
Safety Considerations:
Installation : Ensure the steering wheel cover is installed correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Poorly installed covers that slip or bunch up can interfere with steering control. Size and Fit : Choose a steering wheel cover that fits snugly over your steering wheel. A loose or oversized cover can affect steering feel and control. Material : Opt for steering wheel covers made from high-quality materials that are durable and do not emit strong odors or chemicals that could be harmful. Airbag Deployment : If your vehicle is equipped with airbags, ensure that the steering wheel cover does not interfere with the proper deployment of the airbag. Covers that are too thick or poorly fitted can impede airbag deployment and compromise safety in the event of a collision. Maintenance : Keep the steering wheel cover clean and in good condition. Dirty or deteriorating covers can become slippery and affect grip.
Choosing a Steering Wheel Cover:
Look for covers made from materials like leather, synthetic leather, or high-quality rubber that provide good grip and durability. Avoid covers with sharp edges or rough textures that could cause discomfort or irritation during use.
? Are steering wheel knobs illegal?
Legal Status : In many places, steering wheel knobs are legal for use on private vehicles but may have restrictions or prohibitions on commercial vehicles or certain types of vehicles (e.g., buses, trucks). Safety Concerns : Steering wheel knobs were historically associated with safety concerns, particularly with older vehicles and without power steering. They were sometimes known to cause injuries if the vehicle was involved in a collision. Modern Usage : In modern vehicles with power steering and advanced safety features, steering wheel knobs are less likely to pose significant safety risks if properly installed and used. Local Regulations : It's crucial to check local laws and regulations regarding the use of steering wheel knobs. Some jurisdictions may have specific requirements or restrictions, so it's advisable to verify before installing one. Commercial Vehicles : In many places, the use of steering wheel knobs on commercial vehicles like trucks or buses may be prohibited due to safety concerns and regulations aimed at reducing driver distractions and ensuring vehicle control.
Safety and Installation:
Proper Installation : If using a steering wheel knob, ensure it is securely and properly installed according to manufacturer instructions. This helps minimize the risk of it coming loose or causing discomfort during use. Driver Comfort : Some drivers find steering wheel knobs helpful for maneuverability, especially in tight spaces or for those with limited hand mobility. However, personal comfort and safety should always be prioritized.