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G0TEZ > CARS 13.02.12 10:34l 91 Lines 3420 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : B90233G0TEZ
Read: DK3UZ GUEST
Subj: Modern,awful,steering.
Path: DB0FHN<DB0MRW<DK0WUE<IK6ZDE<VE2PKT<GB7CIP
Sent: 120213/0324Z @:GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EU #:24686 [Caterham Surrey GBR] $:B90233G0
From: G0TEZ@GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EU
To : CARS@WW
We all seem to be around the same age group on here so, matbe, we have all
had the same experience.
I don't own a car, I don't really need one so, if I need one, I will hire
one for a few days, it is cheaper in the long run.
The last car I owned was born in 1990 and lasted most of that decade until
we parted company. It was a good, solid little car with a good fuel
consumption and, like every car I have ever had, it had easy steering, the
kind of steering you don't have to think about. I have driven for hundreds
of miles along our long, straight motorways at about 70 mph or 120 kph in
Europe, with just one hand on the steering wheel and an elbow rsing on th
arm rest. Nice pasitive steering which made the car go exactly where you
wanted it to with about a 1/4 turn on the steering wheel. Unless it was a
question ofmanoeuvering in a tight space, of course.
Until 4 years ago.
I hired a couple of cars, small, economy cars, no powere steering, very
basic but I have driven plenty like that, mostly copmpany cars.
I might as well add, I have also been a taxi driver for 14 years to make a
bit extra and have taken the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) course
as well as being taught by Police Class one (now police Advanced) drivers.
IO found these two cars, difficult to steer. I had to keep both hands on
the steering wheel and, even, cross my hands to make sharp turns,
something which would be an automatic fail in the driving test I took in
1966.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I was talking to someone who accompanied me on
both the tiring trips I tok in the modern cars and, for some reson, the
talk turned to the driving. "I bet you feed the steering through your
hands the old fashioned way" he said, "Of course" i replied.
The talk went on a few minutes in the same vein. making me feel like an
old man who had forgotten how to drive. I had to remind myself that, even
though he was only half my age he hasn't even got a driving licence.
The experience got me watching car programmes on TV. I noticed tha,
especially when driving small cars, the presenters thought nothing of
crossing their arms while manoeuvering/
Here is tha bottom line. What is the reason for making modern cars with
smaller steering wheels and much lower geared steering ?
I realise that, in other countries, things may be different. In Oz for
example, they seem to drive bigger cars and drive far furhter than we do
in the UK, no doubt all with power steering so it doesn't apply.
Has anyone got any info or opinions ?
Like, next time, do I spend more money on a bigger car, probably with
power steering and much higher fuel consumption ?
I do realise that the practice of driving is a thing we usually forget and
don't even bother talking about. We just get in and go. Or I did until
four years ago, so I will understand if no one wants to reply.
I have never been a 'petrol head' so this is just an ordinary man who has
reached the age where he has just had to renew his licence to continue
driving. That is the british system.
All (sensible) replies appreciated.
Regards.
73 - Ian, G0TEZ @ GB7CIP
Message timed: 03:22 on 2012-Feb-13 GMT
Message sent using WinPack-Telnet V6.80
p.s. Reples from british drivers would be best but anyone will do.
73 - Ian, G0TEZ @ GB7CIP
Message timed: 03:23 on 2012-Feb-13 GMT
Message sent using WinPack-Telnet V6.80
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