Lexi Webster
Steering a car is a skill that requires confidence and smooth turns to ensure good control of the vehicle. While there are different steering techniques for various vehicles, such as trucks, racecars, and classic cars, the most common approach for modern cars is the rotational technique. This technique involves gripping the steering wheel at the '9 and 3' position, allowing for better leverage and control compared to the traditional '10 and 2' grip. It is important to maintain a firm but gentle grip on the wheel, avoiding a tight grip that can tire your arms and obscure important feedback from the car. Additionally, keeping both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road are crucial for safe steering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grip | Firm but gentle |
| Hand placement | 9 and 3 on modern cars, 10 and 2 on older cars |
| Thumb placement | Lightly along the rims, or hooked over the spokes on paved roads |
| Steering technique | Rotational, push-pull (shuffle) |
| Adjustments | Tilt (up and down) and reach (forwards and backwards) |
| Seat position | Adjusted so the driver can easily reach the top of the steering wheel |
| Gear shifting | Done before a corner, not in the corner |
| Steering wheel spinning | Avoid when stationary to prevent tyre marks and stress on power steering |
| Eyes | On the road |
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What You'll Learn
Hand placement: 9 and 3 vs 10 and 2
When it comes to hand placement on the steering wheel, there are two main schools of thought: the traditional "10 and 2" position and the more modern "9 and 3" position. While the 10 and 2 o'clock position was the standard recommendation for decades, the advent of new technology and safety features in vehicles has led to a shift in preferences towards the 9 and 3 o'clock position.
The traditional 10 and 2 hand placement was developed to give drivers maximum control in the days before power steering and airbags. In older vehicles with larger steering wheels and heavier steering systems, gripping the wheel higher up allowed for more force to be applied when turning. This higher grip position also made sense because steering wheels were not adjustable in terms of tilt and reach, so drivers needed the flexibility to grip the wheel in various places.
However, with the introduction of power steering and airbags in modern vehicles, the 10 and 2 position can now be considered unsafe. In the event of an airbag deployment, having your hands positioned higher on the wheel can increase the risk of injury to your hands, arms, and even your face or head as the force of the airbag can violently throw your hands upward.
On the other hand, the 9 and 3 o'clock position is now widely recommended by driving experts and organisations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This lower hand placement keeps your hands out of the direct path of the airbag, reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, the 9 and 3 position provides better ergonomics, with less strain on the arms and shoulders during longer drives, and improved access to controls like indicators and wipers.
The 9 and 3 position also offers a better balance between comfort and control. It allows for more precise and stable steering input, making it ideal for new drivers, driving tests, and emergency manoeuvres. Furthermore, with both hands placed slightly further apart, you gain more leverage over the wheel, improving your overall control of the vehicle.
While there is no specific law mandating hand placement on the steering wheel, proper control of the vehicle is a legal requirement. So, whether you choose to stick with the traditional 10 and 2 or adopt the newer 9 and 3 position, always ensure that you maintain safe and responsible driving habits.
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Steering wheel grip
The steering wheel is your main contact point with the car, so it's important to get your grip right. Grip the wheel firmly but gently—a "death grip" will mask important messages from the car, but an overly light touch won't allow you to feel what the car is doing. Your grip should also depend on the type of car you're driving.
The "nine and three" grip is one of the most common and is taught in most driving schools. This grip is best for modern cars with small steering wheels. It gives the driver ample leverage when turning the wheel and enough fine control for precise inputs. It also allows for a nice bend in your arms, given a proper driving position, and prevents your arms from crossing when you turn the wheel.
The "ten and two" grip was common in older cars with giant steering wheels and no power steering. However, modern cars with power-assisted steering have smaller wheels, so the "nine and three" grip is better for leverage and safety.
If you drive a bigger car, like an SUV, pickup truck, or van, you may need to grip the steering wheel a little lower. The "eight and four" grip may be useful for heavier cars or cars with heavy steering, as it allows you to push the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. However, this grip results in a sub-optimal level of control, making finer inputs more difficult.
On straight roads, your hands should settle into an effective position on the steering wheel, only tightening your grip when cornering or braking. On greasy or slippery road surfaces, do not tighten your grip on the wheel, as this may induce skidding.
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Steering techniques: rotational vs shuffle
When it comes to steering a car, there is no one-size-fits-all technique. Different methods are suitable for different situations, and it's essential to adapt your approach to the vehicle and driving conditions. This adaptability is a crucial aspect of good driving, as it ensures smooth driving and prevents sudden lateral weight transfers, allowing for higher-speed cornering.
Two of the most commonly discussed steering techniques are rotational steering and shuffle steering.
Rotational Steering
Rotational steering, also known as hand-over-hand steering, is a technique where the driver changes their grip before half a turn of the wheel. This method is particularly useful when large amounts of steering lock are required quickly, such as during skid control or in confined spaces. It is often used in motorsports due to the speed and ease of returning the wheel to the centre without looking. However, it may not be ideal for general cornering, especially on sharp bends or when avoiding obstacles like potholes, as it can lead to crossed arms and reduced control.
Shuffle Steering
Shuffle steering involves shuffling your hands into a position ahead of the curve, allowing you to anticipate the turn. This technique is advocated by some leading law enforcement agencies, military organisations, and close protection training institutes. It is also favoured by veteran stunt and precision driver Bobby Ore, who has taught it to military, FBI, CIA, and Secret Service agents for driving in extreme circumstances. Shuffle steering may offer advantages over the 9 and 3 hand position when dealing with poorly designed vehicles.
In conclusion, both rotational and shuffle steering techniques have their advantages and use cases. The key to effective steering is understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each method and applying them appropriately, depending on the vehicle, road conditions, and driving context.
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Adjusting your seat
The correct position for your hands on the steering wheel is 9 and 3 on a modern car. This is because your hands are further apart at 9 and 3, giving you better leverage and feel. This is also safer, as your arms and hands will be out of the way if the airbags go off in a crash.
If you are driving an older car, such as a previous-generation Land Rover Defender, you may need to use the 10 and 2 position, as these cars have bigger steering wheels that are not adjustable.
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Steering wheel techniques: push-pull vs hand-over-hand
When it comes to steering a car, there are two main techniques: the push-pull method and the hand-over-hand method. Both techniques involve having both hands on the steering wheel, with the hands placed on the outside of the wheel. While the specifics of each technique differ, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and comfort.
The push-pull method involves shuffling the hands without crossing them. This can lead to slower or awkward turns, especially during tight manoeuvres. With push-pull, the wheel is rotated in smaller increments, which may cause oversteering or understeering for new drivers. Some people find this technique clearer and more comfortable, as it covers more area with each hand movement and reduces the chance of tangling hands in an emergency.
On the other hand, the hand-over-hand method involves crossing one hand over the other during a turn, allowing for quicker rotation of the steering wheel. This technique is particularly useful for sharp or sudden turns, as it frees the driver to focus on the road rather than the mechanics of their hands. It also allows for smoother, more intuitive control. However, some people may find that this method increases the risk of hand tangling and reduces the area covered with each hand movement.
It is worth noting that, regardless of the chosen technique, it is important to maintain proper hand positioning and control of the vehicle. Additionally, the choice between the two methods may depend on the situation and what feels most comfortable at the time. Many experienced drivers use a personalised technique that combines elements of both methods.
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Frequently asked questions
Grip the wheel firmly but gently. Your hands should be at the 10-and-2 or 9-and-3 position. The 9-and-3 position is better for modern cars with power steering, smaller steering wheels, and airbags.
Put your right arm around the passenger seat and your left hand at 12 o'clock on the steering wheel. Look out the rear windshield.
The rotational technique is used for steering on country roads and in motorsports. It allows for smoother steering input and is easier to control than the shuffle technique.
There is some debate over which steering technique is safest. The hand-over-hand method may not be safe in cars with airbags as crossing your arms may increase the risk of injury. The push-pull or shuffle technique may be safer in cars with airbags.
Adjust your seat so you can sit comfortably and see far down the road. Adjust your steering wheel so you can easily reach the top without leaning forward. Modern steering wheels are adjustable for tilt and reach.
