Adjusting the seat correctly allows you to drive safely and comfortably. There are various ways to adjust the seat, such as moving it forward or backward relative to the steering wheel, tilting the backrest and raising or lowering the headrest. Once you have the seat in the most comfortable and safe way, check that you are sitting correctly. Remember to always wear a seat belt!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using the Seat Controls
Step 1. Move the seat until your knees are slightly bent as you press the accelerator
Move it forward if you keep your legs fully extended when you accelerate, or backward if you bend them too much. By bending your knees slightly when driving you prevent pain in those joints.
Step 2. Sit down so that there are two fingers between the back of the knee and the seat
Put two fingers between the edge of the seat and the back of the knee. If you can't fit them, move the seat back and try again.
Step 3. Raise the seat until your hips are aligned with the knees
Turn it up even if you can't see clearly through the windshield or windows. Do not ride with the hips lower than the knees.
If your car doesn't have a seat height adjustment, use a cushion to keep your hips aligned with your knees. Make sure you are not too high or you will have to bend over to look out the windshield or window
Step 4. Adjust the backrest so that it reclines to an angle of approximately 100 °
Sitting like this reduces pressure on your lower back and makes you more comfortable. If you have to take your shoulders off the seat when you turn the steering wheel, the backrest is too reclined. Move it away if you hunch your back while driving. In the correct position you should be able to comfortably reach the steering wheel, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
Step 5. Move the headrest so that the nape of the neck is in the center of the holder
If you keep your head above the headrest when driving, raise it. If part of the nape is exposed under the headrest, lower it. Ideally, the tip of the head should be aligned with the top edge of the headrest.
Step 6. Adjust the lumbar support according to the curve of your lower back
This is the raised part of the bottom of the backrest. To begin, adjust the height of the lumbar support to align the bottom edge with your waist. Then adjust the depth to completely fill the curve of your lower back.
- If the back of your car does not have lumbar support, roll up a towel and place it behind your back when driving.
- You can also purchase a foam support to use in place of the lumbar support if your car seat does not have one.
Method 2 of 2: Sit Properly
Step 1. Sit with your body fully flat on the seat
Lean your back against the backrest and pull your lower back as far back as possible. Don't drive with your body forward; if you can't reach the pedals or steering, adjust the seat, not the body.
Step 2. Keep the steering at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock
Imagine the steering wheel is a clock. Put your left hand at 9 o'clock and your right hand at 3 o'clock. By maintaining this grip, you have maximum control over the steering.
Always drive with both hands on the wheel. Holding it with one hand you rotate your spine and you can suffer from back pain
Step 3. Keep your left foot on the footrest when not in use
If your car has a manual transmission, only move your left foot when using the clutch. If your car has an automatic transmission, you should never use your left foot. By holding it firmly on the footrest, support your back and pelvis while riding.
Step 4. Place the belt so that it passes over your hips
Do not hold it on the abdomen. In the event of an accident, the strap must hold the pelvic bone in place, not the belly.
