How to steer a car properly – The evo standard part 3
There are many ways to steer a car, some better than the way your instructor taught you
How effective is the infamous ‘pull and push’ steering method? Is this way of turning a wheel still fit for purpose? Let’s be honest here: pull-and-push steering is a hugely difficult skill to perfect and few find it easy to utilise. These are the main reasons why so many drop it as soon as they pass their driving test. Shuffling the wheel in this fashion can also be potentially dangerous when a fast steering action is required.
Surely there are better ways of steering that are easier to use and which improve safety and control when fast steering applications are necessary? Indeed there are, but first we have to get over the commonly held belief that if a useful driving skill or technique isn’t in Roadcraft (the police driver’s handbook) then it is worthless. That’s going to hold you back as it’s just blinkered and inflexible thinking.
So when doesn’t this antiquated steering method work? When you spend many hours driving on circuits and proving grounds at high speed and partake in vehicle dynamics testing and driver coaching, you discover that these disciplines require a different approach. Drivers need to employ better methods of steering to stay safe and remain in full control of the car during ‘on the limit’ testing regimes.
In normal road-driving situations, meanwhile, pull and push steering is still acceptable when used correctly, but there are circumstances when alternative methods will offer better control and/or faster results. Drivers should therefore adapt and work towards utilising three distinct techniques tailored to specific scenarios. These are the steering techniques to learn and when you should apply them:
1. Fixed-input steering
For small steering inputs, for example on gently sweeping curves, simply turn the wheel with your hands never leaving the 9-3 reference grip. The default position for your hands on the wheel should be at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock, forming a loop with the forefinger and thumb just above the wheel’s crossbar. This enables more balanced steering inputs, gives better car feel and alleviates shoulder tension on long drives.
2. Pull-push steering
For larger inputs during general driving, pull-push can come into play. Depending on the size of the input required, the driver may need to start the pulling down action by moving their hand to 12 o’clock, or beyond. Basically, when turning right you pull right; when turning left you pull left. But beware: when super-fast steering is required, this method is simply not fast enough.
3. Rotational steering
Where large steering inputs are required at a fast rate, such as when negotiating low-speed tight turns, or in an emergency situation, this ‘hand-over-hand’ method offers the most rapid steering application, all the way to full lock if necessary. Typically, from the 9-3 position you push the wheel up with one hand, continuing well past the 12 o’clock position, while bringing your lower hand up and across to the opposite side of the wheel to continue the turning action with a pull.
- How to improve your driving? Set your ego aside – The evo standard part 1
- How to manage your speed when driving: The evo standard part 2
No single technique works perfectly for all conditions, but with diligent practice, you’ll be able to switch between these three methods in a blink, ensuring you are better equipped to deal with emergencies and maintain optimal control at all times.
