Smooth control starts with the basics: starting in the right order, accelerating and braking gently, holding the wheel correctly and choosing the right steering method for the speed. Backing is hardest, so do as little of it as you can.
Starting the vehicle:
- Make sure the parking brake is set
- Automatic: right foot on the brake, gear selector in park
- Manual: clutch to the floor with your left foot, gearshift in neutral
- Turn the ignition on and check indicator lights and gauges (fuel, ABS, air bags)
- Start the engine, turn on low beam headlights and lock the doors
Know the rule
Accelerate gradually with your heel on the floor. Too much power, especially on rain, snow, sand or gravel, spins the drive wheels; if they spin, take your foot off the accelerator.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Know the rule
To stop: check mirrors, signal and look over your shoulder if moving to the curb, release the accelerator, then brake with steady pressure behind the sign, stop line or crosswalk.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Know the rule
Always turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to move, whether going forward or in reverse.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Know the rule
Hold the wheel on the outside, hands on opposite sides, with your fingers (not palms) and thumbs up along the face. Never turn the wheel gripping it from inside the rim.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Steering methods
| Method | When | Hands |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-to-hand (push/pull) | Normal driving forward above 10–15 mph | Left 7–8 o'clock, right 4–5 o'clock |
| Hand-over-hand | Low speeds: intersections, parking | Left 8–9 o'clock, right 3–4 o'clock |
| One hand | Backing, or reaching for controls | Other hand at 8–9 or 3–4 o'clock |
| Evasive action | Avoiding a hazard; off-road recovery | Limit input to 180 degrees |
Know the rule
Hand-to-hand is the preferred method because your arms never cross the wheel. 2 and 10 o'clock is not recommended; it can be dangerous with air bags.
Handbook p. 31 ↗Most steering to use when evading a problem; more causes traction loss
Handbook p. 31 ↗Steering modern vehicles need to get back on the road after an off-road encounter
Handbook p. 31 ↗Know the rule
12 o'clock is recommended only when backing to the left or right and turning in your seat to see the path behind you.
Handbook p. 31 ↗Backing safely:
- Check behind the vehicle before getting in; children and small objects can't be seen from the seat
- Foot on the brake, shift to reverse
- Left hand at 12 o'clock, right arm on the seat back, look directly through the rear window
- Mirrors don't show directly behind you
- Go slowly; steer slightly toward where the rear should move
- Keep looking back until you've completely stopped
Know the rule
Do as little backing as possible. In a shopping center, choose a space you can drive through so you can leave driving forward.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Put it into practice
You're driving 35 mph and need to change lanes. Use hand-to-hand steering, left hand at 7–8 and right at 4–5 o'clock, so your arms never cross the wheel if the air bag deploys.