Correct way to hold a steering wheel?
Discussion
Whilst learning to drive you are advised to hold the steering wheel at the 10-to-2 position and to push-pull when manoeuvring.
Racing drivers hold the steering wheel at the quarter-to-three position. I've also seen retired racing drivers hold the steering wheel in the 10-to-2 position whilst being interviewed behind the wheel.
Advanced drivers seem to hold the wheel at the quarter-to-three position as well, but don't push-pull when manoeuvring.
Having had advanced driver training, I've since always held the wheel at the quarter-to-three position. I've also tried the 10-to-2 position but can't make my mind up.
I now see more advanced drivers hold the wheel at the 10-to-2 position.
What would be the best position from a car control point of view?
Over to you...
Racing drivers hold the steering wheel at the quarter-to-three position. I've also seen retired racing drivers hold the steering wheel in the 10-to-2 position whilst being interviewed behind the wheel.
Advanced drivers seem to hold the wheel at the quarter-to-three position as well, but don't push-pull when manoeuvring.
Having had advanced driver training, I've since always held the wheel at the quarter-to-three position. I've also tried the 10-to-2 position but can't make my mind up.
I now see more advanced drivers hold the wheel at the 10-to-2 position.
What would be the best position from a car control point of view?
Over to you...
10 to 2 is ok but I can never get my knees that high.
In seriousness I'm trying to get myself out of the bad habit of resting the left hand on the gearstick. It doesn't help that the height of the centre console and short gear leaver mean it's the perfect height, not to mention that I seem to change gear for any excuse just because it feels good.
In seriousness I'm trying to get myself out of the bad habit of resting the left hand on the gearstick. It doesn't help that the height of the centre console and short gear leaver mean it's the perfect height, not to mention that I seem to change gear for any excuse just because it feels good.
Six Fiend said:
I vary from 10 to 2 to Quarter to 3.
But I use pull push rather than fail by using push pull
At times I use rotational too.
All that, it depends - my old E34 requires a bit of twirling on occasion, so pull-push works a treat; 430kG Fury requires abuout 1/4 turn max for anything = v light finger-thumb grip on wheel at most, at about Quarter to 3. But I use pull push rather than fail by using push pull
At times I use rotational too.
But regardless - I find best feel and 'reading' comes via a very light grip and bent arms (when consistent with maintaining control, obviously)
SebastienClement said:
I was always told NOT to loop your thumps round the wheel for precisely those reasons...
Next time you are in the car hold the wheel your way and push forward. You will feel that you are bending the joints against their natural movement. Then loop them round the wheel and do the same feel the difference? Much better.andym1603 said:
Next time you are in the car hold the wheel your way and push forward. You will feel that you are bending the joints against their natural movement. Then loop them round the wheel and do the same feel the difference? Much better.
THe rationale I was always given was the fact that in the event of a collision, sudden movement of the steering wheel (from the collision) would easily fracture your thumbs. If they're not wrapped around the steering wheel, it's easier to get your hands away and not caught up in the wheel.
davepoth said:
Somewhere between ten to two and quarter to three depending on the circumstances. Thumbs along the rim, not looped under it.
My driving instructor, who was well known for swearing a lot, used to tell me "You're gripping like a c_nt" whenever I wrapped my thumbs around the wheel.Jimmy Gunn, legend.
andym1603 said:
SebastienClement said:
I was always told NOT to loop your thumps round the wheel for precisely those reasons...
Next time you are in the car hold the wheel your way and push forward. You will feel that you are bending the joints against their natural movement. Then loop them round the wheel and do the same feel the difference? Much better.SebastienClement said:
THe rationale I was always given was the fact that in the event of a collision, sudden movement of the steering wheel (from the collision) would easily fracture your thumbs. If they're not wrapped around the steering wheel, it's easier to get your hands away and not caught up in the wheel.
Indeed, I hold them on the inside of the rim instead of on top of it, but I definitely don't loop them round the back. You don't want them tucked in, absorbing the force of a crash! I grip 9-3 or 10-2 depending on the car. The wheel position is important, especially if it doesn't have a rake adjust. I prefer 9-3 for fixed input steering and 10-2 for feeding the wheel. otolith said:
Out of interest, does anybody know someone who has had their thumbs broken by a steering wheel?
Yes, but it was in a kart not a car (well actually I didn't know them, but I was there when it happened). I hold the wheel at roughly quarter to three. I tend to push-pull when driving sedately and cross my arms when driving harder. It does depend on the driving position of the car and the design of the wheel a bit, though.
Edited by kambites on Sunday 5th May 22:29
Roadru77er said:
The not hooking thumbs is relevant to off road or similar if the wheels get caught in a rut and the steering whips back it can cause injury.I used to work with an ex army driver who held the wheel in a most ungainly way for this reason.
I was told the same thing by an off-road enthusiast when I was learning to drive. Always have done ever since.But I'll admit to driving almost all of the time with one hand. Generally rest my palm on the wheel or for manouevres press against it and twirl with one hand. For faster driving I might use both hands for twisty bits but don't really push and pull. Does that actually improve car control? It never seemed like a natural way of steering.
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