e-nthusiast. November 2009
Who better to offer a few thoughts on honing your driving skills than Geoff Brabham, Chief Instructor for BMW Driver Training in Australia?
Q. What single driving tip would make the most impact on my driving?
A. The biggest problem for humans is we are not designed to go faster than we can run, which means when we are driving at speeds higher than that we do not look far enough ahead by instinct. So scan as far ahead as you can is the best tip I can give anyone.
Q. What’s the best way to sit in the driver’s seat?
A. You need to be comfortable, obviously, but you should be far enough away from the steering wheel so when your arm is straight out in front of you, your wrist balances on the top of the steering wheel rim. Keep your hands on the wheel so your thumbs sit on top of the spokes at the 9 and 3 o’clock position, this will mean you will have a nice bend of the arm when driving in a straight line. You should be able to press the brake pedal as hard as you can and still have a slight bend in your knee. Many drivers don’t have these basic set-ups correct.
Q. Do I really need all these electronic safety systems?
A. Yes. BMW Dynamic Stability Control gives you the ability to retain directional control of your car in a skid, but you must continue to steer, and if necessary brake hard to avoid an accident. Look for an escape route and your hands will steer you there.
Q. Why is rear wheel drive so good?
A. It leaves the front wheels free to steer while the engine torque twists the rear wheels. This gives you better directional control. It also helps balance the weight of the car front to rear, reducing understeer – or the desire of the car to go straight when you want to turn into a corner.
Q. How can I improve the responsiveness of my BMW?
A. The simplest and most effective modification you can make is also free. Keep your tyres pumped to the exact pressure indicated on the plaque on the driver’s door aperture. That way your car will corner, brake and steer in the best possible manner.
Q. What is the secret to safe cornering?
A. Be smooth in your application of power and brakes. Don’t dive on the brakes in a rush into the corner, nor jump on the accelerator when you reach the apex. Squeeze the accelerator and brakes gently in normal driving. The idea is to avoid upsetting the car’s balance, because you lose grip and then the car will try to spin. Always remember you go where you look so get those eyes up and look as far around the corner as you can.
For more information on BMW Driver Training call 1800 000 269 or email drivertraining@bmw.com.au
