Smart steering, also known as steering assist or advanced steering control, is a feature in many modern vehicles designed to provide automated support for smooth, controlled driving. Typically integrated with other advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), steering automatically adjusts steering sensitivity, assists with lane centering, and even corrects minor steering errors to keep the vehicle safely in its lane.

Although steering offers numerous safety benefits, some drivers prefer a fully manual experience, particularly those who enjoy the direct feel of the road. Others may find that steering does not suit their driving style or can be overly sensitive on certain roads. Understanding how steering works and knowing when to turn it off can help drivers enjoy a more personalized driving experience.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Smart Steering

Smart steering brings unique benefits to drivers, but it’s not without potential downsides. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:

Benefits

Enhanced Safety: By assisting with steering corrections, steering helps reduce the risk of lane drift, making highway driving safer.
Reduced Driver Fatigue: It can ease the burden of constant steering adjustments, which can be especially helpful on long drives.
Better Stability on Curves: Steering can enhance stability and maintain vehicle control on curves and winding roads.

Drawbacks

Reduced Driver Control: Some drivers feel steering takes away from the direct control they prefer.
Interference in Certain Situations: On winding roads or in areas with poor lane markings, the feature can misinterpret conditions and make unwanted adjustments.
Learning Curve: Some drivers may need time to adapt to the way steering interacts with their usual driving habits.

Drivers who enjoy complete control or prefer to feel the nuances of the road often choose to turn off smart steering, especially when driving in areas where road conditions might trigger unnecessary corrections.

Reasons to Turn Off Smart Steering

Drivers have various reasons for wanting to turn off steering. Here are some common scenarios where deactivating this feature might improve the driving experience:

City Driving with Heavy Traffic: In congested urban environments, steering can be too responsive, adjusting excessively in tight spaces. This can be distracting for drivers who prefer more direct handling.
Rural or Poorly Marked Roads: On roads with faded or unclear lane markings, steering can become a hindrance, making adjustments based on inconsistent data. Turning it off can lead to smoother, uninterrupted driving.
Sportier Driving Preferences: Some drivers enjoy a sportier, more engaging driving experience, which can be hampered by the assistive nature of steering. Disabling it allows for a more natural feel of the steering wheel and better road feedback.
Roads with Sharp Curves or Complex Intersections: Smart steering may struggle on roads with sharp curves or irregular intersections, where the system’s attempts to adjust can interfere with the driver’s intended path.
Driver’s Comfort and Confidence: Ultimately, some drivers simply feel more comfortable with direct control over the vehicle. Deactivating smart steering can increase their confidence and enjoyment of the drive.

How to Turn Off Steering in Different Car Models

Turning off steering varies across car brands and models, but the basic steps often include accessing the vehicle’s settings menu through the infotainment system or using the steering wheel controls. Below are some general guidelines for different popular car brands:

1. Ford

Start your vehicle and access the Settings menu on the dashboard display.
Select Driver Assistance.
Locate Smart Steering or Steering Assist options.
Choose Off to deactivate steering.

2. Toyota

Access the Menu button on the dashboard and navigate to Vehicle Settings.
Select Lane Departure Alert or Steering Assist.
Toggle the setting to Off to turn off steering.

3. Honda

Go to the Settings menu in the infotainment system.
Select Driver Assist System Setup.
Locate Steering Assist and toggle it Off.

4. Chevrolet

Access Vehicle Settings from the dashboard or infotainment system.
Go to Driver Assistance Features and select Steering.
Disable the feature by switching it to Off.

5. BMW

In BMW vehicles, smart steering can be found under Driving Settings.
Access the Steering Assist option and toggle Off.

For model-specific instructions, consult the owner’s manual, as the location and terminology of the smart steering feature may vary slightly.

Troubleshooting Steering Deactivation

If you encounter issues with deactivating steering, here are some troubleshooting steps:

Restart the Vehicle: After adjusting settings, restart the car to ensure that any changes take effect.
Update Software: Some settings may be dependent on the latest software version. Check with your dealer for updates.
Check the Manual: If the steering feature doesn’t seem to deactivate, refer to the owner’s manual for exact instructions, as settings can vary by model year.
Contact Dealership Support: For persistent issues, reach out to your dealership’s service department for guidance.

It’s important to remember that some features may be interlinked with other driver-assistance systems. For instance, lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control may have an impact on how smart steering functions. When in doubt, consult a professional.

Safety Tips When Turning Off Smart Steering

Turning off steering can offer greater control, but it’s important to remain cautious. Here are some safety tips to consider:

Practice Manual Steering: If you’re used to steering, practice manual steering in a safe environment to regain a feel for full control.
Monitor Lane Discipline: Without steering, it’s essential to stay vigilant about lane position, especially on highways.
Avoid High-Speed Adjustments: Turning off smart steering is best done while parked, not while driving, to avoid abrupt handling changes.
Stay Alert: Without the corrective assistance, drivers need to be attentive to small steering adjustments, especially in challenging driving conditions.

Additional Features Related to Smart Steering

Besides smart steering, many vehicles come equipped with related features that assist in safe driving. These include:

Lane-Keeping Assist: Often working in conjunction with smart steering, lane-keeping assist helps maintain lane discipline.
Adaptive Cruise Control: This system adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, reducing the need for constant driver adjustments.
Collision Avoidance Systems: Typically, these systems use sensors to monitor the surroundings and apply steering or braking corrections to prevent accidents.

Each of these features can be customized, activated, or deactivated depending on the driver’s preferences. Familiarize yourself with the options to achieve a driving experience that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

Smart steering is a valuable assistive tool that enhances safety and comfort by helping drivers stay centered in their lane, reducing fatigue on long drives, and assisting with subtle corrections. However, not every driver feels that the benefits of steering outweigh the desire for complete manual control, especially in scenarios where specific road conditions or personal driving preferences call for a more hands-on approach. Turning off steering offers drivers flexibility, allowing them to adapt their vehicle to the driving conditions, be it winding roads, heavy traffic, or challenging environments.

When you choose to deactivate steering, you’re taking back full control of your vehicle’s handling, gaining the ability to feel the road and make instinctive, manual adjustments. This hands-on experience can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy an unmediated connection with the vehicle or seek a more dynamic driving experience. Knowing how to turn off steering in your specific car model ensures that you’re not limited by automation, but rather empowered to make the best choices for each driving scenario.