What is Turning Radius? The Secret Behind the Steering Wheel

My friend Tuan, who owns a building materials store on Minh Khai Street, recently bought a new Dongfeng long-bed truck for deliveries. He proudly told me he’d gone all the way to a truck dealership in Long Bien District to find the perfect one. But yesterday, I saw him at a coffee shop near Nuoc Ngam Bus Station looking dejected. It turned out his “monster” truck nearly gave him a heart attack trying to turn around in a narrow alley.

“The street was tiny, the truck was enormous; it took me three or four tries to get out, and I almost scraped someone’s wall!” he lamented.

Tuan’s story reminded me of a crucial concept every driver should understand: turning radius. What exactly is turning radius, and why is it so important when choosing and driving a vehicle? Let’s explore!

Turning Radius: Definition and Importance

What is Turning Radius?

Simply put, turning radius is the radius of the smallest circle a vehicle can make when turning. In other words, it’s the distance from the center of the turning circle (usually the center of the inner tire when the steering wheel is fully turned) to the furthest point of the vehicle as it turns.

The Importance of Turning Radius

This measurement indicates a vehicle’s maneuverability in tight spaces. A smaller turning radius means the vehicle can more easily navigate crowded city streets, tight parking lots, or, in my friend’s case, narrow alleys. Conversely, a larger turning radius means the vehicle requires more space to make a turn.