HOLDING THE WHEEL

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12229, 29 August 1925, Page 9

HOLDING THE WHEEL

SEVERAL DIFFERENT METHODS. There are several different ways of holding the steering wheel of a car, and most of them are right, which means that the best method must he largely a matter of individual preference. Some drivers keep their hands above the wheel, the palms, of course, being downwards,, and. hold the wheel near the topmost point. Others grhsp the wheel from-below, with the fingers coming over it, and hold tjjp wheel on either side. The first of these methods certainly looks well, and it suggests that the driver has been accustomed to driving horses. The second, perhaps, gives a firmer grip on bad roads. What is wanted is a grip that naturally tightens if the wheel makes a sudden movement, and the one which gives the best control. Having got this, one may also study appearance, partly because what looks a position of ease and comfort is also a position which gives an easy control. It is seldom necessary to have the hand above the centre of the wheel, and the method of holding one hand at the top of the wheel and the other at the bottom should be avoided.' It looks bad, and is unsuited to a- quick turn in either direction. But it is not a bad plan to place one hand higher up the wheel than usual when approaching a sharp corner. Of course, the right hand will be raised ' when approaching a right-hand corner, and vice. versa. Some few drivers hold the spokes instead of the rim of the wheel, end, while it i$ a good plan to place a finger round a spoke to increase the firmness of the grip, holding the spokes inside the , rim . is not recommended. It is a good' plan to accustom oneself to drive either hand, and both hands should be. given practice in' this when suitable occasions present themselves, beginning on a g«od straight road. But the hand which must do the steering when the gear and brake levers are being used must, more especially: be - trained in' the way.: On a central control car ■the right hand must steer, ‘'while-’bn a right-hand control this will be left to the left hand. It probably comes more natural to every driver to use one hand more than the other,' abd those who have been cyclists will generally steer more easily with the left; hut after a little praotice either hand.can,he used with equal facility. ’ ■ The modern oar steers very easily, and little muscular effort,-is required; but some cars with more: direct steering than usnal have a slight tendency to follow the camber— that if id, to run down the slope. A ’ little pres 4, sure on the wheel is necessary to-pref vent them from doing', this, bnt. after driving for a few miles bpSo. ceases td notioe it. Oars that do this have,:'also* the knack, of straightening’Atop'after:a corner, and will do this on a suitable road if the driver releases; the wheel for a moment. ’ ■ .