Buzz
Driving with a correctly adjusted seat ensures greater comfort and safety. There are several ways to adjust your seat, such as moving it closer to or farther from the steering wheel, changing the angle of the seatback, and raising or lowering the headrest. Once the seat is adjusted for comfort and safety, make sure you are seated properly. Always remember to fasten your seatbelt!
Steps
Use the Seat Adjustment Controls
Slide the seat until your knees are slightly bent when pressing the accelerator. Move the seat forward if your leg is fully extended when pressing the gas pedal. Move the seat back if your knees are bent too much. Keeping your knees slightly bent while driving helps prevent knee pain.
Adjust your seat so there is a two-finger gap between the back of your knees and the seat edge. Place two fingers between the seat edge and your knees. If there isn't enough space, slide the seat back until you achieve the proper gap.
Raise the seat until your hips are level with your knees. Increase the seat height if you have trouble seeing through the windshield and side windows. Avoid driving with your hips lower than your knees.
- If your car lacks seat height adjustment, use a cushion to align your hips with your knees. Ensure the seat isn't too high, as this may force you to slouch to see properly.
Adjust the seatback to a 100-degree recline angle. Sitting at this angle reduces pressure on your lower back, enhancing comfort. If your shoulders lift off the seatback when turning the wheel, the seat is too reclined. Tilt the seatback forward if you lean too far while driving. Proper adjustment ensures easy steering and a slight bend in your elbows.
Position the headrest so the middle supports the back of your head. If your head sits above the headrest, raise it. If it sits below, lower it. Ideally, the top of your head should align with the headrest's upper edge.
Adjust the lumbar support to fit the curve of your lower back. The lumbar support is the raised section at the seatback's base. First, set its height so the lower edge aligns with your waist. Then, adjust its depth to fully support your lower back's curve.
- If your seat lacks lumbar support, use a rolled-up towel to fill the gap while driving.
- Alternatively, purchase an attachable foam cushion for added support.
Ibrahim Onerli
Driving Instructor
Driving Instructor
Test the brake pedal to ensure your seating position is comfortable. Press the brake pedal fully and check if your heel lifts off the floor. If it does, adjust the seat closer. Additionally, position the steering wheel so it is about 25 cm away from your chest.
Sitting Correctly in the Seat
Sit with your body fully against the seat. Your back should rest against the seatback, and your hips should be as close to the seat as possible. Avoid leaning forward while driving; if you can't reach the pedals or steering wheel, adjust the seat, not your posture.
Hold the steering wheel at the '9 and 3' position. Imagine the steering wheel as a clock face. Place your left hand at the 9 o'clock position and your right hand at the 3 o'clock position. This grip ensures optimal control.
- Always drive with both hands on the wheel. Using one hand can twist your spine, potentially causing back pain.
Keep your left foot on the footrest when not in use. If driving a manual car, only move your left foot when operating the clutch. For automatic cars, never move your left foot away from the footrest. Keeping your left foot flat on the footrest supports your back and pelvis while driving.
Fasten the seatbelt so it rests across your pelvis. Avoid positioning the belt over your thighs or stomach. In the event of an accident, the seatbelt should secure your pelvis, not your abdomen.
