been watching for a while now love the pov videos. just wondering if you could make one on just purely driving from a to b from pov explaining what you do as i find it really entertaining and interesting, also love the way you drive and use all of the road.
Great stuff as always man! Hope to see a video on how to judge the car’s width, length. Having hard time driving on narrow roads with obstacles in our area.
I've found wherever I look the car just goes. I pass through very narrow roads especially my neighborhood roads where pedestrians are abundant as well as cars parked to the side of the road. My main focus is what is directly ahead and observing my surroundings at the same time. I've only been driving for a couple months so I don't know if this is wrong or not.
Thanks for another superb video, Mike. This is probably the most comprehensive answer to the question of steering wheel grip positions - know where what works
Maybe the reason your steering reception is best at 9 and 3 is because your hands are closest to the spokes there. The vibrations eminate outwards through the spokes to your hands, which are sitting at the ends of the spokes, absorbing some of the vibrations conducted through the steering mechanism.
I love little theories like this! Someone had one similar about why steering is more responsive at 12 o'clock and less at 6 o'clock. The idea being gravity pulls your arms down, causing the wheel to turn at 12 o'clock but centre itself at 6 o'clock. So interesting! 👌
I never hold the wheel at the top, it looks stupid and I don't like it in any situation. Usually I prefer either 3 and 9 because you can keep that grip 180° to the left and 180° to the right. For comfort on the highway I prefer slightly lower so that would be like 4 and 8
*I never hold the wheel at the top, it looks stupid and I don't like it in any situation. Usually, I prefer either 3 and 9 because you can keep your grip 180° to the left and 180° to the right. For comfort on the highway, I prefer slightly lower, so that would be like 4 and 8.
A video I didn’t know I needed. Loved it. Really helpful. I will start paying more attention to why I subconsciously assume a specific position. What I am positive is that whenever I want maximal control a go for 9 and 3. When late at night, no cars around but mostly a couple once in a while I will take a resting grip which in the video is the one you show as a lower grip. It’s the closest from not holding the steering wheel and will allow for slights adjustments only. I don’t think this should be used during normal traffic and or on the motorway. What is more contrasting with your explanation and feedback here is that 10 and 2 is usually how steering wheel are designed. The grip is thicker at these positions and instructors (at least here in my country) will recommend that one. It’s not really weird honestly because it’s really close to the 9 and 3 tbh.
I prefer 9 and 3, but I can't hold the wheel there with a typical 3-spoke wheel. Instead, I have to dance around the spokes. Sometimes I'm at 10 and 2, other times I'm at 8 and 4. If I'm one-handing it with my left, it's at 7 or 12. If I'm using my turn signal, then my left hand is sort-of at 9, but it's just one finger and my thumb loosely looped around the wheel and pressing down on the spoke. My right hand will be at 10 or 4. The middle finger, ring finger, and pinky on my left hand will flip the turn-signal stalk up or down.
In isolation or for short maneuvers all positions with two hands can somehow be okay, the problem is when you get something unsuspected you would like in 90 percent of the cases your hands to be in the 9:15 position, so I try to keep my hands at 9:15 as much as I can obviously in relation to the maneuver. All one-handed riding positions are to be avoided, they do not give any slightest control for example in the case of an imporved skid holding a single hand at 12 o'clock (in the fulcrum) does not give any control, think riding a bicycle with a single hand in the middle of the handlebars :D
*In isolation or for short maneuvers, all positions with two hands can somehow be okay. The problem is when you get something unexpected, you would like in 90 percent of the cases for your hands to be in the 9:15 position. So I try to keep my hands at 9:15 as much as I can, obviously in relation to the maneuver. All one-handed steering positions are to be avoided. They do not give any slight control. For example, in the case of an unforseen skid, holding a single hand at 12 o'clock (on the top of the wheel) does not give any control. Think: trying to steer a bicycle with a single hand in the center of the handlebars. :D.
I was taught to use the classic 10 & 2 position because it gives you maximum angle of turn on the wheel if you need to take evasive action in an emergency. But this is probably more useful in town at lower speeds rather than on a fast road.
I had a weird grip, and is like a "i'm really bored and let's make things a little unusual" kind of developed grip. So during town driving with low to medium speed, sometimes i will grip both hands on the 12 o'clock position, but with my arms crossed. So my right hand will be on the left side of the 12 position and left hand will be on the right side. And during turns, the pull method that you mentioned will be used, where my right hand will be pulling the steering downwards during left turns and vice versa.
*I had a weird grip, and is like an "I'm really bored, and let's make things a little unusual" kind of developed grip. So during town driving with low to medium speed, sometimes i will grip both hands on the 12 o'clock position, but with my arms crossed. So my right hand will be on the left side of the 12 position and left hand will be on the right side. And during turns, the pull method that you mentioned will be used, where my right hand will be pulling the steering downwards during left turns and vice versa.
When I did advanced driving courses we were taught to to move our hands on the wheel rather than static positions,the pulling or pushing the wheel depends on corner,speed and what type of driving you’re doing,I.e motorway,town or sport.
Hi Mick! I recently just got my first car and driving license and your videos have helped me improve my driving massively! Keep up the good work. Best regards all the way from Guatemala:)
*Hi Mick! I recently just got my first car and driving license and your videos have helped me improve my driving massively! Keep up the good work. Best regards all the way from Guatemala. :).
4:40 - What if you're anticipating making a really hard right turn and you're simply getting your hands ready? In this particular situation, your right hand is your control hand and the left is your support hand. Obviously you don't need to use two hands, but if it makes you feel safer, then so much the better.
I actually like sometimes pushing upwards, when using 9 and 3 oclock ( and sometimes lower positions even ), it makes me feel more resistance on the wheel ( i use sports mode assistance so its even more "heavy" ) , this way i force myself to make very small adjustments and be smooth in curves and in general. Pulling down is less tyring on the shoulders though, its good for longer trips when i dont wanna get tired, so I like to practice both ways, I feel having a broad palette of coordinations will always make me more proficient and safer as a driver. Also those hybrid grips, I have used them when travelling more than 4-6 hours on the road, when you're stationary for too long fatigue creeps in faster, so I swap my hands around a lot haha I personally like 3 and 7 o clock because I can rest my left elbow on the door lol while using my fingers to make small adjustments, and my right hand on 3 in case something crazy happens so I can keep the wheel stable or somewhat stable, and maneuver decently until swapping hands to 9 and 3 if shit really hit the fan. PS: i hate 10 - 2 lol
2:09 It'll likely "deglove" your arm, which is why I personally *never* use it outside of parking lots. Also, whatever you do don't Google that, seriously.
I personally enjoy so much doing double clutching downshifting. and that is correct. ""downshifting"". no upshifting. it does not have sense doing upshifting double clutching. "Mechanically talking"
I drive with one hand 80% of the time, usually with my steering arm resting on my leg. It is comfortable, and I have never had any problem whatsoever. I kind of think people overthink things.
I know you want me to make a video about this but nobody would watch it lol, it would be too boring 😭 The way I go about mirrors is firstly I set my seat to the correct position, then I get the mirrors side-to-side so I can -just- see the door handle in them. Then I go up-and-down just based on feel and what looks right. Hopefully that helps?
9 and 3 sucks, when it comes to the modern 3-spoke wheel. You can't get a good grip on the wheel, and it leaves your wrists in a strained position. The spokes get in the way. I greatly prefer the older 2-spoke wheel, with the spokes slanted toward 8 and 4. Holding the wheel at 9 and 3 in that case, is quite usable and comfortable. I vary my hand positions, based on what I plan on doing next, and the road and traffic conditions. Some are 1-handed, some are 2-handed. No single hand position is ideal for every circumstance.
Toyota for example the 12 o’clock position on heated steering wheel is not heated because you shouldn’t use it and if the airbag is deployed your face will be smashed by your hand and arm
If you notice the shape of the steering wheel on the Megane (and Peugeots) it is designed to drive at 10 to 2. I like that or the quarter to three. I find the ten to two very comfortable but I drive an i cockpit Peugeot so I sit a bit higher in the seat.
There is one method you didn't mention, which is using your knee balancing the wheel while in high way.. this is actually a real method we do while chilling in high ways. (We = Mostly Saudis)
Hahaha I can't lie, I've done this when having a cheeky macdonalds breakfast in the past... don't tell anyone :) Nice to see a Saudi in the comments, haven't had anyone mention that part of the world before. Welcome!
@@MickDrivesCars Thanks Mick. Personally, I find palming to be quite natural for me but as you mentioned, every grip has its own pros and cons ... I would say lack of grip would be a con for palming, I suppose I've yet to encounter it for myself
There is one way to hold the wheel my guy. 9 and 3. Thumbs out! Thats it. Doesnt matter if its sporty driving or not. 9 and 3, thumbs out! Stop advertising bullshit. Push the wheel with the opposite hand. (Left turn = push in with right hand). Now youre nice and stuck in your seat and counteracting the centripetal force pushing your body out of the corner.
Regarding sporty driving, 9-3 position is the best, but you are wrong regarding the push pull. You should always push, not pull, because pushing on the wheel keeps you connected to the seat, so that you have a better feeling of what the car is doing under you, when at the limit. It feels awkward for you because you have not practiced it enough.
9 and 3 on a typical 3-spoke wheel is cumbersome, uncomfortable, and difficult to grip completely. I want my fingers to wrap around the wheel, not maneuver around the spokes. Sticking my thumbs straight through the wheel's space puts strain on my wrists. I normally have my thumbs resting (or squeezing) on the face of the wheel, pointing up, fingers wrapped firmly around the wheel itself. This means holding it a 10 and 2, 8 and 4, or single-handing it at 12 or 7. I miss the 2-spoke wheels that are angled down at a 45-degree angle. The one on my 1985 Cavalier Type-10 hatchback was nearly perfect, and to this day is my favorite steering wheel design. Coming in a distant second might be the steering wheel designs of the mid-90's Berettas and Cavaliers. They weren't as comfortable as my favorite wheel, but at least you could easily handle them at the 9 and 3 hand positions.
Love the video's man. Helped me become a much safer driver and realizing speed and cornering isn't just about flooring it and turning.
Thank you mate, I couldn't be happier 👊
*Thank you, mate. I couldn't be happier. 👊@@MickDrivesCars
@@victoriagrayson5082 thanks so much for the correction victoria
I love 4 and 8. So relaxing to drive in motorway and straight country roads
been watching for a while now love the pov videos. just wondering if you could make one on just purely driving from a to b from pov explaining what you do as i find it really entertaining and interesting, also love the way you drive and use all of the road.
Thanks mate! Never thought of doing that but it's an interesting idea
@MickDrivesCars no worries, can't wait for the new videos love the content
Great stuff as always man! Hope to see a video on how to judge the car’s width, length. Having hard time driving on narrow roads with obstacles in our area.
Damn you're like the 4th person to ask for this... I'm not a driving instructor and have nothing useful to tell you unfortunately. Just feel it?
I've found wherever I look the car just goes. I pass through very narrow roads especially my neighborhood roads where pedestrians are abundant as well as cars parked to the side of the road. My main focus is what is directly ahead and observing my surroundings at the same time. I've only been driving for a couple months so I don't know if this is wrong or not.
Thanks for another superb video, Mike.
This is probably the most comprehensive answer to the question of steering wheel grip positions - know where what works
Glad you appreciated it!
Mick, once again, absolutely brilliant. You’re a gem.
Much love, thank you! 👊
Maybe the reason your steering reception is best at 9 and 3 is because your hands are closest to the spokes there. The vibrations eminate outwards through the spokes to your hands, which are sitting at the ends of the spokes, absorbing some of the vibrations conducted through the steering mechanism.
I love little theories like this! Someone had one similar about why steering is more responsive at 12 o'clock and less at 6 o'clock. The idea being gravity pulls your arms down, causing the wheel to turn at 12 o'clock but centre itself at 6 o'clock.
So interesting! 👌
I never hold the wheel at the top, it looks stupid and I don't like it in any situation. Usually I prefer either 3 and 9 because you can keep that grip 180° to the left and 180° to the right. For comfort on the highway I prefer slightly lower so that would be like 4 and 8
Absolutely fair comment
*I never hold the wheel at the top, it looks stupid and I don't like it in any situation. Usually, I prefer either 3 and 9 because you can keep your grip 180° to the left and 180° to the right. For comfort on the highway, I prefer slightly lower, so that would be like 4 and 8.
*Period missing at end of sentence.@@MickDrivesCars
As a street racer holding the wheel on the top is necessary for drifts and quick turns
A video I didn’t know I needed. Loved it. Really helpful. I will start paying more attention to why I subconsciously assume a specific position. What I am positive is that whenever I want maximal control a go for 9 and 3. When late at night, no cars around but mostly a couple once in a while I will take a resting grip which in the video is the one you show as a lower grip. It’s the closest from not holding the steering wheel and will allow for slights adjustments only. I don’t think this should be used during normal traffic and or on the motorway. What is more contrasting with your explanation and feedback here is that 10 and 2 is usually how steering wheel are designed. The grip is thicker at these positions and instructors (at least here in my country) will recommend that one. It’s not really weird honestly because it’s really close to the 9 and 3 tbh.
2:47 The 9 and 3 is better than the 10 and 2 because with that position you can tell what all four wheels are doing and get a balanced feel of input
I prefer 9 and 3, but I can't hold the wheel there with a typical 3-spoke wheel. Instead, I have to dance around the spokes. Sometimes I'm at 10 and 2, other times I'm at 8 and 4. If I'm one-handing it with my left, it's at 7 or 12. If I'm using my turn signal, then my left hand is sort-of at 9, but it's just one finger and my thumb loosely looped around the wheel and pressing down on the spoke. My right hand will be at 10 or 4. The middle finger, ring finger, and pinky on my left hand will flip the turn-signal stalk up or down.
I’m generally a 4 and 8 grip 90% of the time, just comes naturally to me, other times I find myself on 9 and 3 especially on a nice fast twisty road
In isolation or for short maneuvers all positions with two hands can somehow be okay, the problem is when you get something unsuspected you would like in 90 percent of the cases your hands to be in the 9:15 position, so I try to keep my hands at 9:15 as much as I can obviously in relation to the maneuver. All one-handed riding positions are to be avoided, they do not give any slightest control for example in the case of an imporved skid holding a single hand at 12 o'clock (in the fulcrum) does not give any control, think riding a bicycle with a single hand in the middle of the handlebars :D
*In isolation or for short maneuvers, all positions with two hands can somehow be okay. The problem is when you get something unexpected, you would like in 90 percent of the cases for your hands to be in the 9:15 position. So I try to keep my hands at 9:15 as much as I can, obviously in relation to the maneuver. All one-handed steering positions are to be avoided. They do not give any slight control. For example, in the case of an unforseen skid, holding a single hand at 12 o'clock (on the top of the wheel) does not give any control. Think: trying to steer a bicycle with a single hand in the center of the handlebars. :D.
@@victoriagrayson5082 unpredictable skid.
I was taught to use the classic 10 & 2 position because it gives you maximum angle of turn on the wheel if you need to take evasive action in an emergency. But this is probably more useful in town at lower speeds rather than on a fast road.
I had a weird grip, and is like a "i'm really bored and let's make things a little unusual" kind of developed grip.
So during town driving with low to medium speed, sometimes i will grip both hands on the 12 o'clock position, but with my arms crossed. So my right hand will be on the left side of the 12 position and left hand will be on the right side.
And during turns, the pull method that you mentioned will be used, where my right hand will be pulling the steering downwards during left turns and vice versa.
I'll make a short holding the steering wheel like this. Sounds bat---- insane. I love it.
*I had a weird grip, and is like an "I'm really bored, and let's make things a little unusual" kind of developed grip.
So during town driving with low to medium speed, sometimes i will grip both hands on the 12 o'clock position, but with my arms crossed. So my right hand will be on the left side of the 12 position and left hand will be on the right side.
And during turns, the pull method that you mentioned will be used, where my right hand will be pulling the steering downwards during left turns and vice versa.
*I'll make a short holding the steering wheel like this. Sounds bat-- insane. I love it.@@MickDrivesCars
When I did advanced driving courses we were taught to to move our hands on the wheel rather than static positions,the pulling or pushing the wheel depends on corner,speed and what type of driving you’re doing,I.e motorway,town or sport.
i love 10 and 3
Hi Mick! I recently just got my first car and driving license and your videos have helped me improve my driving massively! Keep up the good work. Best regards all the way from Guatemala:)
*Hi Mick! I recently just got my first car and driving license and your videos have helped me improve my driving massively! Keep up the good work. Best regards all the way from Guatemala. :).
Thanks mate! 👊
What about driving with one hand at the 9 oclock position? Im in the USA btw and use this frequently when driving.
4:40 - What if you're anticipating making a really hard right turn and you're simply getting your hands ready? In this particular situation, your right hand is your control hand and the left is your support hand. Obviously you don't need to use two hands, but if it makes you feel safer, then so much the better.
I actually like sometimes pushing upwards, when using 9 and 3 oclock ( and sometimes lower positions even ), it makes me feel more resistance on the wheel ( i use sports mode assistance so its even more "heavy" ) , this way i force myself to make very small adjustments and be smooth in curves and in general. Pulling down is less tyring on the shoulders though, its good for longer trips when i dont wanna get tired, so I like to practice both ways, I feel having a broad palette of coordinations will always make me more proficient and safer as a driver.
Also those hybrid grips, I have used them when travelling more than 4-6 hours on the road, when you're stationary for too long fatigue creeps in faster, so I swap my hands around a lot haha I personally like 3 and 7 o clock because I can rest my left elbow on the door lol while using my fingers to make small adjustments, and my right hand on 3 in case something crazy happens so I can keep the wheel stable or somewhat stable, and maneuver decently until swapping hands to 9 and 3 if shit really hit the fan.
PS: i hate 10 - 2 lol
2:09 It'll likely "deglove" your arm, which is why I personally *never* use it outside of parking lots. Also, whatever you do don't Google that, seriously.
Just got a Google. Scary.
Great video, can you do one next about double clutching and proper downshifting.
I'll call it granny shifting and not double clutching like you should
*Great video. Could you do one next about double clutching and proper downshifting?
I personally enjoy so much doing double clutching downshifting. and that is correct. ""downshifting"". no upshifting. it does not have sense doing upshifting double clutching. "Mechanically talking"
I am a new driver love your videos
Thanks mate, welcome!
I drive with one hand 80% of the time, usually with my steering arm resting on my leg. It is comfortable, and I have never had any problem whatsoever. I kind of think people overthink things.
Make a video about shuffle steering vs cross for sharp turns for us new drivers.
MICK HOW DO YOU POSITION MIRRORS YOU SEEM TO HAVE A GOOD ANGLE ON THE MIRRORS
I know you want me to make a video about this but nobody would watch it lol, it would be too boring 😭
The way I go about mirrors is firstly I set my seat to the correct position, then I get the mirrors side-to-side so I can -just- see the door handle in them. Then I go up-and-down just based on feel and what looks right.
Hopefully that helps?
Good video. approved lol
Confirmed
Can't count how many times my driving instructor shouted at me for pulling the wheel, not pushing.
Unbelievable
9 and 3 sucks, when it comes to the modern 3-spoke wheel. You can't get a good grip on the wheel, and it leaves your wrists in a strained position. The spokes get in the way. I greatly prefer the older 2-spoke wheel, with the spokes slanted toward 8 and 4. Holding the wheel at 9 and 3 in that case, is quite usable and comfortable.
I vary my hand positions, based on what I plan on doing next, and the road and traffic conditions. Some are 1-handed, some are 2-handed. No single hand position is ideal for every circumstance.
Toyota for example the 12 o’clock position on heated steering wheel is not heated because you shouldn’t use it and if the airbag is deployed your face will be smashed by your hand and arm
They teach us only 9 and 3 position, so it's interesting, that other grips are acceptable or usable.
Glad I could help :)
Good punctuation.
If you notice the shape of the steering wheel on the Megane (and Peugeots) it is designed to drive at 10 to 2. I like that or the quarter to three. I find the ten to two very comfortable but I drive an i cockpit Peugeot so I sit a bit higher in the seat.
5:10 I was thinking this was the way to go but then he said it’s lazy 😭😭😭
Hahaha sorry to burst your bubble, hope the video was useful anyway ♥️
There is one method you didn't mention, which is using your knee balancing the wheel while in high way.. this is actually a real method we do while chilling in high ways. (We = Mostly Saudis)
Hahaha I can't lie, I've done this when having a cheeky macdonalds breakfast in the past... don't tell anyone :)
Nice to see a Saudi in the comments, haven't had anyone mention that part of the world before. Welcome!
@MickDrivesCars we watch silently 🏃🏃
I have the pleasure to be the first😁
my power steering system is completely out, and i’m here looking at different types of steering wheel grips..😂💔
ahahaha the only grip you need is a deathgrip and bicep workouts.
Wait Mick ..... so what about palming???? Just curious
In my head I grouped palming together with 12 o clock. I should have mentioned this in the video.
@@MickDrivesCars Thanks Mick. Personally, I find palming to be quite natural for me but as you mentioned, every grip has its own pros and cons ... I would say lack of grip would be a con for palming, I suppose
I've yet to encounter it for myself
I judge people by how they grip the wheel. top of the wheel is the worst. #Team10And3
You mean 9 and 3 right? 😂
12 o'clock position is mostly reserved for Audi drivers. I avoid them, you know exactly the type of person they are.
I overthink how I steer a lot. This video was very grounding, lol.
12 o'clock one hand are those pos that don't use signal lights.
Does anyone use fingers in 6 and 7?
There is one way to hold the wheel my guy. 9 and 3. Thumbs out! Thats it. Doesnt matter if its sporty driving or not. 9 and 3, thumbs out! Stop advertising bullshit. Push the wheel with the opposite hand. (Left turn = push in with right hand). Now youre nice and stuck in your seat and counteracting the centripetal force pushing your body out of the corner.
Why thumbs out?
The twelve
9 and 3 all the way for me, but my paddles move with the wheel
That's my favourite too
I love 5-7 with arms on knees
Regarding sporty driving, 9-3 position is the best, but you are wrong regarding the push pull. You should always push, not pull, because pushing on the wheel keeps you connected to the seat, so that you have a better feeling of what the car is doing under you, when at the limit. It feels awkward for you because you have not practiced it enough.
I think there is an objectively bad grip. Holding it at 6 with just one hand.
The anti 12 o clock
9 and 3 on a typical 3-spoke wheel is cumbersome, uncomfortable, and difficult to grip completely. I want my fingers to wrap around the wheel, not maneuver around the spokes. Sticking my thumbs straight through the wheel's space puts strain on my wrists. I normally have my thumbs resting (or squeezing) on the face of the wheel, pointing up, fingers wrapped firmly around the wheel itself. This means holding it a 10 and 2, 8 and 4, or single-handing it at 12 or 7. I miss the 2-spoke wheels that are angled down at a 45-degree angle. The one on my 1985 Cavalier Type-10 hatchback was nearly perfect, and to this day is my favorite steering wheel design. Coming in a distant second might be the steering wheel designs of the mid-90's Berettas and Cavaliers. They weren't as comfortable as my favorite wheel, but at least you could easily handle them at the 9 and 3 hand positions.