Turning a car, as a basic driving skill, often puzzles novice drivers. When entering a curve, the change in direction generates centrifugal force that pushes the vehicle outward. Typically, when the car’s weight remains constant, the magnitude of centrifugal force is proportional to the square of the speed—meaning if the speed doubles, the centrifugal force increases fourfold. For instance, when a car is speeding at 90–100 km/h on the highway, even a slight turn of the steering wheel can generate significant centrifugal force, causing the car to tilt or even skid sideways. To reduce centrifugal force and avoid veering off the road and risking danger, drivers have developed methods to counteract it, notably by taking an “outside-inside-outside” cornering line.

Cornering Techniques for Different Road Types

So what exactly is the correct way to take a turn? Below, we’ll share some tips based on different types of roads.

First, on highways or roads with gentle slopes and wide surfaces, it's best to take the inside shortcut. That means keeping your car close to the inner side when entering the curve and moving toward the outer side when exiting. This alters the curvature of your path, reduces the sharpness of the turn, and effectively minimizes centrifugal force, allowing you to navigate the corner smoothly without having to slow down significantly. This method is commonly seen in off-road circuit races, where speeding cars take the shortest possible route through turns.

Second, for uphill curves, before entering the turn, ease off the throttle and approach the curve at a relatively high speed along the outer edge. Then shift down one or two gears, choose your line, and adjust your steering while gently applying the throttle. After passing the apex of the curve, steer back to the outer side, and once the road ahead is clear, accelerate while staying on the outer edge to exit the curve swiftly.

Third, when navigating downhill curves, before entering the turn, ease off the throttle and apply the brakes to significantly reduce your speed, then shift down one or two gears. Enter the curve at a slower pace along the outer edge, then release the brakes, choose your line, and adjust your steering. After passing the apex, steer back toward the outer side, gently apply the throttle, and finally exit the curve quickly along the outer edge. In this process, you should also follow the outside-inside-outside cornering line.

How to Navigate Blind and Compound Curves

A blind curve is one where the exit isn’t visible. When driving through such a curve, since you can’t see the traffic situation at the end, you must first reduce your speed and avoid driving as you would on a regular curve. To prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles, keep close to the edge of the road. When taking a left curve, drive along the outer edge; for a right curve, stay closer to the inner edge. Once you spot the exit, you can change lanes, adjust your direction, and using the outside-inside-outside method, accelerate out of the curve.

A compound curve consists of two or more connected curves. The key to navigating a compound curve is to focus on the last curve so you can accelerate out of it smoothly. Begin by reducing your speed and entering the first curve. On each curve, follow the outside-inside-outside method, applying slight throttle as needed. When approaching the final curve, once you see the exit, correct your direction, accelerate fully, and drive straight out of the curve.

Finally, when taking any turn, we remind you to “look first, slow down, then proceed”—don’t put others at risk while turning. To address issues during cornering, automakers have made many improvements. Generally, four-wheel-drive vehicles offer strong cornering performance, and steering systems equipped with EPS (Electric Power Steering) also deliver excellent handling.