Dec 2009 - MG Car Club Newcastle

STEERING A VEHICLE
J U L Y 2 0 0 9
The Team Leader was kind enought to assist me with some
neglected driving skills on the Ringwood Track. He
commented more than once on the way I held the wheel. So
a little research and ...
The traditional method of steering taught is the “push pull
method” - hands grip the wheel on opposite sides, usually 10
to 2. The hands alternate the grip, moving up and down the wheel at the same
height. One hand pulls the wheel down to the bottom where it meets the other
hand at 6 o'clock position. Changing grips, the opposite hand pushes the wheel
to the top where the hands touch at 12 o'clock, ready to change again for the
pull down; etc.
When the steering is turned to the desired amount, both hands hold the wheel
opposite and at the same height as each other.
To straighten the wheel, reverse the procedure. The last hand to 'feed in' is the
first hand to 'feed out'.
'Pull-push' steering is favoured for four main reasons:
1. It provides a better sitting position:
2. It provides better grip:
Pull-push steering is the only style that enables the driver to hold the wheel
locked still while negotiating a bend. With either cross-arm or hand-over-hand
styles, one hand would now be above the other and both hands pulling in the
same direction. This situation is not conducive to holding the wheel steady.
3. It is smoother:
Pull-push is a natural, symmetrical hand movement which allows easy passing
of the wheel from one hand to the other at the top and bottom of each stroke.
4. It is the most efficient method of steering:
No other steering style consistently provides half a turn of the wheel for each
hand movement.
NOTE: It is understood that in driving there are other issues of more importance
than steering, however new drivers have to learn some form of steering. Why
not learn the best there at the outset? This means it won't be necessary to
unlearn bad habits later.
However, when racing, particularly with cars that have very direct steering,
“push pull” can be far too slow and it may be necessary to cross hands - or so I
have been told.
Too many things to learn!
Ed.
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