My hand hurts, how do you hold the wheel? suggestion pics - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #31 03-08-2007, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry123400

There are a few things that occur to me. Is there any vibration noticable transmitted to the wheel? You could rest a cup of water against the rim at speed to rule it out as a test. When you say you are getting older that means over twenty one on this site it seems.

I suspect one of three things might be tiring your hands . Either circulation problems, transmitted vibrations or the effort of holding the wheel. Tape a piece of foam on your usually normal position temporarily and see if that helps. If it does invest in a padded steering rim cover. The only other approach I can think of is changing hands frequently to give one hand a rest. The last thought is that you may have your seat positioned too far back causing your hand to carry or support too much weight in an extended or awkward position. If your spring seat bottom has sagged on one side it might be it too. Also you might try changing your elevation by trying out a cushion under you.

Interesting, the seat can effect the pain in the hand eh? I drive an 82 MB so of course the seats are completely falling apart. driver's side of the seat is totally on the floor... I think I have arthritis or something, cause my right thumb is constantly hurting. anyway, I will make some adjustments and see if it helps. I also need to try some heating pads or rubs on my thumb.
Thanks!
there is a little pull in the wheel when in the left lane on the highway, but I am pretty sure it's due to both the crown of the road, and the slight alignment issue I have with the car.
No vibration at all in the steering wheel.
SMOOOOTH ride! very nice. it makes my astro feel like a go cart.
John

barry123400 · #32 03-08-2007, 11:46 PM

The distorted logic in my mind was a subconcious semi bracing yourself with the hand if the bottom cushion was tilted. Try folding a blanket to level the seat as a test. It probably is not it but check. A tired seat is lower than intended by design as well when you sit in it.

Sbean · #33 03-08-2007, 11:49 PM

When I learned to drive, around 1960, I was taught never to grip the top of the wheel with palms facing me, like Shawn D says not to do. Also I learned not to put my thumbs inside the wheel. Maybe this was more important when lots of cars didn't have power steering, and the wheel could jump around if one front wheel hit a bump and you didn't have a tight grip on it. It could break your thumb. Steve

t walgamuth · #34 03-09-2007, 09:33 AM

i never use a grip like the first one. in an emergency you will have to reposition you hand before doing anything drastic, losing precious reaction time.

on a long trip i spend the most time leaning on the armrest with the left hand somewhere on top and the right hand just giving a steady on the five oclock position.

i vary from time to time but this is how i do it 90% of the time.

tom w

hitwtom · #35 03-09-2007, 02:35 PM

Depending on the road and conditions, I vary between:
Left elbow resting on window sill and left hand 9-10 O'clock.
10 and 2.
Left leg bent with foot near seat with left fore arm resting on knee and holding wheel 8-9 O'clock.
Right arm resting on center arm rest holding wheel 4-5 O'clock.

winmutt · #36 03-09-2007, 04:06 PM

My biggest problem is my knees. Never a good place to rest the left one.

I am a 12 o clocker all the way except for rain, then its 10+2

My step dad used to drive alot as a salesman and I noticed he hangs his hand over the 12 o clock and taps the dash board. Pretty decent for long trips.

Regarding tired seats, your whole spine can get out of alignment if one side is lower than the other. Fix those seats!

Dee8go · #37 03-09-2007, 04:15 PM

I shift gears with my right hand and wave with my left . . .

OldPokey · #38 03-09-2007, 06:07 PM

My driving instructor told me about keeping my thumb out of the wheel - then I drove my dad's Fairmont station wagon for a while. You could turn the wheel with your pinky, so I forgot about the warning. Then I drove an old International Scout with manual everything - and sprained my thumb pretty badly when I hit a pothole in a rain storm and one of the wheel spokes smacked it.

Diesel_Canuck · #39 03-09-2007, 08:26 PM

I drive with my thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel. I was in a head-on collision 30 years ago, and my left thumb was severely strained in the impact. It felt like it was almost torn off. To this day, I keep my thumbs out of harms way.

vstech · #40 03-20-2013, 12:27 PM

here's an oldy but a goody!

Zacharias · #41 03-20-2013, 12:42 PM

I have the same problem on longer drives (as the OP stated). I compensate by changing every 20 minutes or so from elbow on door card, left hand on upper ear, to 10 and 2.

On the 300d I actually find 10-2 pretty relaxing. I didn't on the SD, but that was probably because I had the power seat back further (I am 6' 4").

In town I have the right hand on the lower ear in winter. In summer with the window open I often use the cabbie-arm-out-window-of-Belair pose, arm out window, right hand (or, shocking wrist only) on center top of wheel.

Mölyapina · #42 03-20-2013, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

tch tch tch... my old drivers ed teacher would be ashamed at all of you!
NO BODY claims 10 and 2...
(me either...)
anyway, the joints in my thumb on the right hand make it difficult to hold the wheel with the thumb, so I gotta constantly swap positions, haven't found a good position yet, but I mostly use the left hand with elbow resting. usually with my right arm sitting on the chair back like I got a date over there getting a shoulder massage... sometimes I just rest the right elbow on the armrest with it in the up position, it drives my daughter nutty that I don't like the armrest down... but my shoulders don't like to bend down that far.
now if I could just find the time to fix the springs in the seat...
John

Actually, 3-and-9 (what I do) is recommended in driving school these days because of airbags. If I didn't have airbags, (which tbomachines' 300SD doesn't -- this is hopefully my next car), then I would hold at 10-and-2. I've tried it sometimes (shhh), and it gives me a greater feel of control/comfort. Of course, my wrists are low-mileage, well-maintained* ones that hyper-extend, so I never experience wrist pain

. That said, I checked "random, no pattern at all" since "3-and-9" was not an option.

*Arguable, but please don't.

View Poll Results: How do you hold the steering wheel?
Always at 10 and 2	9	14.06%
left hand with elbow resting	30	46.88%
right hand upper ear of wheel	2	3.13%
right hand center of ears	2	3.13%
right hand lower ear	6	9.38%
12:00 position	6	9.38%
random, no pattern at all	20	31.25%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 64. You may not vote on this poll