Setting the correct steering wheel position is one of the most overlooked aspects of driving safety and comfort in UAE. An incorrectly positioned steering wheel affects your ability to react quickly in emergency situations, contributes to driver fatigue on UAE motorways, and can obscure instrument cluster visibility. This guide explains how to set your steering wheel correctly and what to do if the adjustment mechanism is faulty.
How to Set the Correct Steering Wheel Position
Sit in your normal driving position with the seat adjusted correctly first. Your back should be against the seatback. Your wrists should just reach the top of the steering wheel with your arms slightly bent at the elbow when you extend them horizontally. This ensures your arms have full range of motion for steering without reaching or cramping. Once the reach is set using the telescopic adjustment, set the tilt so the top of the steering wheel does not obscure the instruments, but the wheel is not so low that it sits across your lap.
Tilt Adjustment Procedure
Pull or push the release lever under the column. Adjust the wheel angle while holding the wheel. Re-engage the lever firmly. Check that the lever is locked: there should be no wobble or settling when you push up on the wheel rim.
Telescopic Adjustment Procedure
Use the same lever as the tilt adjustment on most vehicles (some premium vehicles have a separate telescopic control). Push the wheel toward the dashboard (further away) or pull it toward you (closer). Lock the lever. Confirm there is no fore-aft movement by pushing the wheel firmly toward and away from the dashboard while locked.
When the Adjustment Does Not Hold
If the steering wheel drops, slides, or will not lock after adjustment, the column mechanism needs repair. This is a safety issue and should not be driven with an unlocked column. Common causes: worn locking teeth, broken release lever, or dried lubricant. Repair cost in UAE: AED 100 to AED 700 depending on the specific fault.