S-Curve & Crank Mastery
In narrow roads (S-Curve, Crank), grasping the sense of tire position is key.
We explain the points of passage and "Correction (Krikaeshi)" techniques for when things go wrong, with illustrations.
⚠️ Golden Rule!
Go at a "Cautious and Slow" speed (Creep speed)!
Don't just look nearby; focus your eyes early on where you want to go (the exit).
Go at a "Cautious and Slow" speed (Creep speed)!
Don't just look nearby; focus your eyes early on where you want to go (the exit).
S-Curve Tips
Imagine where your tires will pass according to the curve.
▲ Enter from the outside, pass front tires near the center.
1. Entry Line
At the entrance, enter a little from the Outside.
This is to account for the inner wheel difference (rear wheels tracking inside).
At the entrance, enter a little from the Outside.
This is to account for the inner wheel difference (rear wheels tracking inside).
2. Positioning Guide
- Right Curve: Aim to pass the right front tire near the center of the road.
- Left Curve: Aim to pass the left front tire near the center of the road.
Crank (Right-angle Turn) Tips
These are right-angle corners. Always think about which way you are turning next and create space on the inside.
▲ Pull to the opposite side of the turn to create space inside.
1. Which side to pull (Creating Space)
Turning Right → Pull Left
Turning Left → Pull Right
*It's important to create space on the inside so the rear wheels don't drop off (Inner Wheel Difference).
Turning Right → Pull Left
Turning Left → Pull Right
*It's important to create space on the inside so the rear wheels don't drop off (Inner Wheel Difference).
2. Steering Timing
Turn when the car's front tire reaches the corner.
Too early = Inner wheel drop. Too late = Hit the outer pole.
★Best gap between pole and car corner is about 30cm!
Turn when the car's front tire reaches the corner.
Too early = Inner wheel drop. Too late = Hit the outer pole.
★Best gap between pole and car corner is about 30cm!
Correction (Krikaeshi) Techniques
If you think "I'm gonna hit!" or "I'm gonna drop!", stop immediately and back up.
How you turn the wheel depends on the situation.
🛑 IMPORTANT 🛑
Before backing up, always visually check safety behind you!
(Failure to check results in point deduction in exams)
Before backing up, always visually check safety behind you!
(Failure to check results in point deduction in exams)
▲ [Pattern A] About to hit the outer pole
Pattern A: About to hit a pole
[Solution] Turn wheel OPPOSITE and back up When the front is about to hit the outer pole, turn the wheel Opposite to the direction you were going and back up.
This creates space between the car and the pole in a short distance.
[Solution] Turn wheel OPPOSITE and back up When the front is about to hit the outer pole, turn the wheel Opposite to the direction you were going and back up.
This creates space between the car and the pole in a short distance.
▲ [Pattern B] About to drop the inner wheel
Pattern B: About to drop the inner wheel
[Solution] Keep wheel SAME and back up When you turned too early and the inside is about to drop, back up with the steering wheel As Is (kept turned).
Once you return to the position before turning, you'll have space on the inside, so adjust and proceed again.
[Solution] Keep wheel SAME and back up When you turned too early and the inside is about to drop, back up with the steering wheel As Is (kept turned).
Once you return to the position before turning, you'll have space on the inside, so adjust and proceed again.
It's okay to fail!
"Stop, Check, Correct"
If you can do this, you pass.
Training for Success!