Nearside / Offside
Discussion
I have heard the definition of nearside given as the passenger side. I have also heard it defined as the kerbside. In the UK and in a RHD car these definitions give the same result.
Does the definition of nearside/offside take into account the hand of drive of a vehicle? Does nearside/offside change as you change from driving on the left to driving on the right hand side of the road when abroad?
Does the definition of nearside/offside take into account the hand of drive of a vehicle? Does nearside/offside change as you change from driving on the left to driving on the right hand side of the road when abroad?
Surely Near side is the side nearest to you as you lead and mount a horse from? That is the same side all over the world and is of course the left side of the horse as it faces forwards and would be the Kerb side in GB (and other RHD countries ) but would be the carriageway side in LHD countries.
bnseven said:
Surely Near side is the side nearest to you as you lead and mount a horse from? That is the same side all over the world and is of course the left side of the horse as it faces forwards and would be the Kerb side in GB (and other RHD countries ) but would be the carriageway side in LHD countries.
Have you tried explaining this in your local fast fit tyre place?I'm glad someone has asked this as it's perpetually confused me 
Doesn't help that I have a left-hand drive car. What's the need for another term aside from driver/passenger side? Pretty obvious from looking at the car, unless it's something with a centre seat in which case I don't think it'll really be an issue for your McLaren of GMA.
Doesn't help that I have a left-hand drive car. What's the need for another term aside from driver/passenger side? Pretty obvious from looking at the car, unless it's something with a centre seat in which case I don't think it'll really be an issue for your McLaren of GMA.
bnseven said:
Time4another said:
4 replies and we are already onto nautical terms and horses. I love this forum.
well I believe the term is from the mid 1600's so horses and boats would have been far more familiar with those using the expression than steering control arms!ingenieur said:
"in the UK" is the bit that matters. The "RHD" bit doesn't. There should be no assumption on the location of the driver when speaking in these terms. Could be LHD / RHD or a single driver in the middle or a road sweeper with two steering wheels which can be driven from either side.
This is why in the motor trade at least we always used to say left and right as if sitting in the drivers seat as RHD and LHD make no difference.Anyone who has worked in any technical way or in the motor trade is banging their head right now.
A car has a left hand side. And a right hand side.
These are the only terms that should be used when referring to a side of the vehicle.
It doesnt matter what country you are in. Or which side the steering wheel is. Or which way up the car is. Or whether your standing looking under the bonnet, or upside down in the boot.
A car has a left hand side. And a right hand side.
These are the only terms that should be used when referring to a side of the vehicle.
It doesnt matter what country you are in. Or which side the steering wheel is. Or which way up the car is. Or whether your standing looking under the bonnet, or upside down in the boot.
snotrag said:
Anyone who has worked in any technical way or in the motor trade is banging their head right now.
A car has a left hand side. And a right hand side.
These are the only terms that should be used when referring to a side of the vehicle.
It doesnt matter what country you are in. Or which side the steering wheel is. Or which way up the car is. Or whether your standing looking under the bonnet, or upside down in the boot.
I worked in the motor trade for over 35 years and the only terms used were near side or off side. Parts would be marked in that way. Estimates and invoices the same .A car has a left hand side. And a right hand side.
These are the only terms that should be used when referring to a side of the vehicle.
It doesnt matter what country you are in. Or which side the steering wheel is. Or which way up the car is. Or whether your standing looking under the bonnet, or upside down in the boot.
snotrag said:
Anyone who has worked in any technical way or in the motor trade is banging their head right now.
A car has a left hand side. And a right hand side.
These are the only terms that should be used when referring to a side of the vehicle.
It doesnt matter what country you are in. Or which side the steering wheel is. Or which way up the car is. Or whether your standing looking under the bonnet, or upside down in the boot.
Left as you look at it/ work on it, left from the drivers seat? You see, if cars had coloured navigation lights like ships and aircraft this would be easier. A car has a left hand side. And a right hand side.
These are the only terms that should be used when referring to a side of the vehicle.
It doesnt matter what country you are in. Or which side the steering wheel is. Or which way up the car is. Or whether your standing looking under the bonnet, or upside down in the boot.
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