Correct driving positions
Discussion
A quick check is to stretch out your arms. If you can touch the underside of your wrist to the top of the wheel you are (probably) seated at about the right distance away.
Check you can depress each pedal completely without strain.
There's more but I have to say that web-site looked pretty comprehensive!
Check you can depress each pedal completely without strain.
There's more but I have to say that web-site looked pretty comprehensive!
Does anyone else here have big problems getting into this ideal position in most modern cars?
I don't think I'm that much of a freak, but my arms are slightly shorter than normal and my legs slightly longer. I find that in most cars in order to reach the steering wheel properly I have my legs splayed out either side of the wheel and my right ankle bent right back to get onto the throttle (ouch!). I last about half an hour in most modern hatchbacks before the pain in my right ankle becomes too much and I have to get out and stretch!!
The only cars I can get comfy in are modern Skodas, which have a steering wheel that pulls right out, and Caterhams (just because they're built to fit me!).
As a slight side issue, I've also noticed that cars have been fitted with higher and higher driving positions over the years. In a 60s or 70s car, you have the steering wheel level with your chest, and I find this the easiest and most natural way to steer. Nowadays though, even in the lowest seating position in something like a Fiesta, the wheel is in your lap!
As an interesting experiment - see if you can sit in a 1980s BMW (E30), a 1990s one and a 2000-2003 moderl E46. Put all the driver's seats to the lowest position. You'll notice that BMW have been creeping the driver's seat higher and higher over the years. It started off on the lowest position with the top of the wheel level with the average man's nose (a bit low perhaps!), and nowadays the bottom position has the wheel down below you head, level with your chest. bizarre!!
I don't think I'm that much of a freak, but my arms are slightly shorter than normal and my legs slightly longer. I find that in most cars in order to reach the steering wheel properly I have my legs splayed out either side of the wheel and my right ankle bent right back to get onto the throttle (ouch!). I last about half an hour in most modern hatchbacks before the pain in my right ankle becomes too much and I have to get out and stretch!!
The only cars I can get comfy in are modern Skodas, which have a steering wheel that pulls right out, and Caterhams (just because they're built to fit me!).
As a slight side issue, I've also noticed that cars have been fitted with higher and higher driving positions over the years. In a 60s or 70s car, you have the steering wheel level with your chest, and I find this the easiest and most natural way to steer. Nowadays though, even in the lowest seating position in something like a Fiesta, the wheel is in your lap!
As an interesting experiment - see if you can sit in a 1980s BMW (E30), a 1990s one and a 2000-2003 moderl E46. Put all the driver's seats to the lowest position. You'll notice that BMW have been creeping the driver's seat higher and higher over the years. It started off on the lowest position with the top of the wheel level with the average man's nose (a bit low perhaps!), and nowadays the bottom position has the wheel down below you head, level with your chest. bizarre!!
RobM77 said:
Does anyone else here have big problems getting into this ideal position in most modern cars?
I don't think I'm that much of a freak, but my arms are slightly shorter than normal and my legs slightly longer. I find that in most cars in order to reach the steering wheel properly I have my legs splayed out either side of the wheel and my right ankle bent right back to get onto the throttle (ouch!). I last about half an hour in most modern hatchbacks before the pain in my right ankle becomes too much and I have to get out and stretch!!
I'm of pretty average proportions and slightly under average height, but I do find similar problems (in less degree). Spent the whole day driving a hired van (Combi) the other week and ended up with some really weird twitchy/shaky/crampy effects on the muscles down the front of my right leg, which were still there the next morning. I get the impression that driving positions are designed for the all-stretched-out boy-racer style. Good job they're not trendy enough to mount the driver's seat at a 45 degree angle
Crumbs - I've never felt the effects the next morning! crikey. I usually have trouble walking for about half an hour after driving a modern hatchback.
It seems odd to me that an average bloke such as myself (5'10", slim to average weight, size 9 feet) can't get comfortable in 90% of cars! Skoda (and some others) manage it, so why not other car manufacturers?
I called in at a Porsche garage the other day to look at a Boxster, and whilst I was there my friend and I had a sit in a 996 911. Neither of us could reach the wheel without having our legs bent up with a right angle bend at the knee. They spend millions developing these cars! The wheel did adjust, but it would only go even further away, not closer!
The other weird thing in cars is the rake on steering wheels (remember the old Mini?). Porsche have got this right, as have Caterham and a few others, but a lot of cars have the wheel canted away from you so you have to be Mr Tickle to turn the steering wheel!
Interestingly, I had a sit in my Dad's 1948 MG TC the other day. It had the opposite problem! With my legs straight out I had the steering wheel about six inches from my chest!
It seems odd to me that an average bloke such as myself (5'10", slim to average weight, size 9 feet) can't get comfortable in 90% of cars! Skoda (and some others) manage it, so why not other car manufacturers?
I called in at a Porsche garage the other day to look at a Boxster, and whilst I was there my friend and I had a sit in a 996 911. Neither of us could reach the wheel without having our legs bent up with a right angle bend at the knee. They spend millions developing these cars! The wheel did adjust, but it would only go even further away, not closer!
The other weird thing in cars is the rake on steering wheels (remember the old Mini?). Porsche have got this right, as have Caterham and a few others, but a lot of cars have the wheel canted away from you so you have to be Mr Tickle to turn the steering wheel!
Interestingly, I had a sit in my Dad's 1948 MG TC the other day. It had the opposite problem! With my legs straight out I had the steering wheel about six inches from my chest!
Interesting. I've got a Boxster and the seat adjusts fore and aft on its runners, the backrest adjusts electrically, it goes up and down and the wheel adjusts for rake and reach.
I'd be stunned that somebody of average height and build couldn't get the correct position in one. I realised the other week I was sat too close to my pedals. Moved my seat back slightly and adjusted my wheel for reach and it's now perfect. I sit as low as the seat will go (I'm 6'0"
with the wheel as far towards me as it will travel, I can push the pedals, fully in without diving on the seat and my wrists rest perfectly on the top of the wheel, with arms bent at about 120 degrees. I could sit in this position for hours, without any sense of discomfort.
This for me is the correct driving position.
>> Edited by anniesdad on Friday 7th October 12:49
>> Edited by anniesdad on Wednesday 12th October 12:30
I'd be stunned that somebody of average height and build couldn't get the correct position in one. I realised the other week I was sat too close to my pedals. Moved my seat back slightly and adjusted my wheel for reach and it's now perfect. I sit as low as the seat will go (I'm 6'0"
with the wheel as far towards me as it will travel, I can push the pedals, fully in without diving on the seat and my wrists rest perfectly on the top of the wheel, with arms bent at about 120 degrees. I could sit in this position for hours, without any sense of discomfort. This for me is the correct driving position.
>> Edited by anniesdad on Friday 7th October 12:49
>> Edited by anniesdad on Wednesday 12th October 12:30
Does anybody "really" drive with two hands on the wheel if doing any great motorway type distance??(hoonage excepted) It makes your hands go cold holding them in the air (10-2) over any great distance & I mean not your average 30 min commute...more like 3-400 miles a day like reps & business types like myself often do.
From my observations the only people with two hands on the wheel are often nervous & don't like changing lanes!.
I think you can tell an awful lot about a driver & their attitude behind the wheel by their driving position, and a quick glance over when passing confirms what you thought when following them (usually).
Anyway, for high mileage I like a slightly laid back approach, with a comfy armrest ie not an horrible bit of lumpty plastic, a centre armrest & low steering wheel so you can keep your hands lower down. Best ever has to the Vauxhaul Omega Elite, followed by some of the Saabs or Volvo's. Worst are BMW Compacts with bus steering wheels that are fixed up in the air.
No doubt I'll be flamed & put in the sin bin & banned from this section for life & imprisoned in a locked Rover 600 with a rug on the shelf
From my observations the only people with two hands on the wheel are often nervous & don't like changing lanes!.
I think you can tell an awful lot about a driver & their attitude behind the wheel by their driving position, and a quick glance over when passing confirms what you thought when following them (usually).
Anyway, for high mileage I like a slightly laid back approach, with a comfy armrest ie not an horrible bit of lumpty plastic, a centre armrest & low steering wheel so you can keep your hands lower down. Best ever has to the Vauxhaul Omega Elite, followed by some of the Saabs or Volvo's. Worst are BMW Compacts with bus steering wheels that are fixed up in the air.
No doubt I'll be flamed & put in the sin bin & banned from this section for life & imprisoned in a locked Rover 600 with a rug on the shelf
Judging by the drivers I see on the M1 I think there are two sanctioned driving positions.
The first one is with both hands on the wheel at quarter-to-three or ten-to-two. This is how I drive.
The other is with the left hand off the wheel (maybe resting on the gear level
), the right elbow on the window ledge so the right hand can't quite reach the wheel unless the wrist is twisted awkwardly back so that the wheel can be held loosely between finger and thumb. It's almost as if they are ashamed to be seen holding the steering.
Edited to add: there's also a minority who seem to like twisting sideways in the seat, presumably to make it easier to trap the mobile between shoulder and ear.
>> Edited by GreenV8S on Thursday 6th October 23:31
The first one is with both hands on the wheel at quarter-to-three or ten-to-two. This is how I drive.
The other is with the left hand off the wheel (maybe resting on the gear level
), the right elbow on the window ledge so the right hand can't quite reach the wheel unless the wrist is twisted awkwardly back so that the wheel can be held loosely between finger and thumb. It's almost as if they are ashamed to be seen holding the steering. Edited to add: there's also a minority who seem to like twisting sideways in the seat, presumably to make it easier to trap the mobile between shoulder and ear.
>> Edited by GreenV8S on Thursday 6th October 23:31
EmmaP said:
Does anybody "really" drive with two hands on the wheel if doing any great motorway type distance??...Anyway, for high mileage I like a slightly laid back approach, with a comfy armrest
I also note the slight sideways slouch has been mentioned, a special technique I find adept at reducing long range fatigue & offering a slightly different view from the mirrors, makes a nice occasional change. Its also a nice way to to warm the shoulder areas if you have heated seats
The one I've never understood is one hand on the wheel, but that one hand is cranked round to the opposite side of the steering wheel. For instance - the right hand positioned where the minute hand would be at ten to two. I've tried this (for fun) and find it not only incredibly uncomfortable, but also very ahrd to steer!! About 30% of drivers seem to drive like that.
With regard to the Boxster, I sat in that as well as the 911 and neither my friend Nick (6'2" nor me (5'10" could get at all comfortable. The problem was that the steering wheel was just too far away. I'm considering buying a Boxster, so I am determined to re-visit Porsche and have another go.
With regard to the Boxster, I sat in that as well as the 911 and neither my friend Nick (6'2"
nor me (5'10" could get at all comfortable. The problem was that the steering wheel was just too far away. I'm considering buying a Boxster, so I am determined to re-visit Porsche and have another go.cptsideways said:
Does anybody "really" drive with two hands on the wheel if doing any great motorway type distance??
Mostly, yes. To relieve fatigue I sometimes swap to the very old-fashioned 'twenty to two' position, or its mirror image. But in a 400-mile motorway journey I'd probably do 350 miles at quarter to three or ten to two, depending on the car.
RobM77 said:
The one I've never understood is one hand on the wheel, but that one hand is cranked round to the opposite side of the steering wheel. For instance - the right hand positioned where the minute hand would be at ten to two. I've tried this (for fun) and find it not only incredibly uncomfortable, but also very ahrd to steer!! About 30% of drivers seem to drive like that.
With regard to the Boxster, I sat in that as well as the 911 and neither my friend Nick (6'2"
We seem to be getting smilies in here where unwanted!
Anyway mines the 987 Boxster which adjusts for reach and rake, so shouldn't be an issue for you. I'm assuming you were trying a 986 Boxster which may not have adjusted for reach?
Agreed with RobM77 that seats seem to be getting progressively higher and higher. This is true with the driving seat on my 2002 Audi A4, which is much higher than my previous 1999 A4.
I would never consider a Subura Impreza simply because the seat is too high.
Also true when you compare Mk2 golfs and corrados with the current range.
However, Porsche seem to have rectified this as the 997 seat goes much lower than the 996s.
If you want a seat that goes low, try a new shape Jaguar XJ. The driving position is fantastic and it's the only car where I would want to sit a big higher.
I would never consider a Subura Impreza simply because the seat is too high.
Also true when you compare Mk2 golfs and corrados with the current range.
However, Porsche seem to have rectified this as the 997 seat goes much lower than the 996s.
If you want a seat that goes low, try a new shape Jaguar XJ. The driving position is fantastic and it's the only car where I would want to sit a big higher.
[quote]The one I've never understood is one hand on the wheel, but that one hand is cranked round to the opposite side of the steering wheel. For instance - the right hand positioned where the minute hand would be at ten to two. I've tried this (for fun) and find it not only incredibly uncomfortable, but also very ahrd to steer!! About 30% of drivers seem to drive like that.[/quote]
Yes! you see this all the time. I've found it tends to be macho blokes that do this, usually whilst two inches off your bumper. I've often wondered how they manage to turn the wheel to the left.
Yes! you see this all the time. I've found it tends to be macho blokes that do this, usually whilst two inches off your bumper. I've often wondered how they manage to turn the wheel to the left.
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