Escape Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Not actually LR related, but a legit technical question about a British car: I've recently bought a RHD 'daily plaything'. I quickly got used to shifting with my left hand, but have problems when turning or changing lanes in traffic. I'm used to driving with one hand on the stick and one on the wheel. In the LHD Range Rover, it's easy to operate the indicators and turn the wheel with the same hand, while still able to change gears, which gives some safety when doing spirited driving in our capital. But on the RHD, I can't figure out how the operate the indicators while at the same time steering and (ready for) shifting. Any tricks to it, or do I just put it in 2nd and keep both hands on the wheel? For those wondering about the car in question, as soon as Ben (Elbekko) comes online, I'm sure he'll be kind enough to post a few pics. Thanks, Filip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tacr2man Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 We have to do this with cars that are now built to EU spec with the indicator on wrong side for RHD !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 my DD is a pug 206, spirited country driving is easy but as you say town is a little different. Using the right hand to indicate (LH stalk) I usually end up doing it through the larger opening in the wheel; or flicking it when palm steering. Hope this is of some use! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted January 31, 2012 Author Share Posted January 31, 2012 We have to do this with cars that are now built to EU spec with the indicator on wrong side for RHD !! So before the RHD cars (like LRs) had the indicatorstalk on the RH side? That would be logical! @Ross, I think you have exactly the same problem in your Pug as I do. But putting my right hand through the steering wheel seems like a very bad idea in my case. Nor really any room for it anyway... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Not the whole hand, I can reach through with just a couple of fingers. If I remember I will get a picture if that would help Filip? My 90 has the indicator stalk on the left too, and that's 1984 vintage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted January 31, 2012 Author Share Posted January 31, 2012 Kind of you, but don't bother with the photo. Maybe in time I'll see if I can't swap the stalks around. Or maybe I'll just get used to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 What car is it Filip? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 This'un Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Lotus.... Esprit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8bertha Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Is that snow??? You lucky sods! Funny, I had the same sort of issues when I first started driving the Camel Freelander, which is left hand drive, it felt very odd for a few weeks, but soon got used to it. TBH I couldn't even tell you what side the indicator stalk is on now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fozsug Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Lotus + snow = alot of fun and pain Nice workshop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted January 31, 2012 Author Share Posted January 31, 2012 Thx for the pic Ben! Yes, it's a Lotus Esprit, a 1990 Turbo SE. And the first day I took it out for a drive (to the MOT station) had to be the only day of snow this winter. Hoping for sunny weather soon to go out cruising. @Fozsug, thx for the compliment. That's actually only half of it, there's another Esprit and a P38a just out of view to the right and Mouse is hidden in the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Same age as me then . You guys have too many toys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 There's no such thing as too many toys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 All the cars I've ever driven, save for my Series III, have had the indicator on the left hand side of the steering wheel. Ie. the same side as the gear lever. Can't say I've ever noticed an issue or a need to be indicating and changing gear at the same time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CwazyWabbit Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Anyway what do you do in a LHD car when you are changing gear and need to turn the wipers on? In all seriousness you get used to wherever the indicators are put very quickly, my previous cars have been mixed as to which side the indicator stalk was on ... give it a week or two and you won't even notice it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cackshifter Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Leaving your hand on the stick's a bad idea too unless you enjoy renewing selectors.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted January 31, 2012 Author Share Posted January 31, 2012 Anyway what do you do in a LHD car when you are changing gear and need to turn the wipers on? Then I'd have to put the cellphone down. Thanks for all the input, I'll give it some time and I'm sure things will work out OK. Filip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve King Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Eee when I was a lad learning to drive it was normal for the indicator stalk to be on the right hand side and indeed my first couple of cars had this layout. Gradually more cars adopted the indicator on the left arrangment. Personally I have no preference (but it was cheaper in the old days!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.