In Automotive School? How Tesla and Lexus are Reinventing Steering

As the years go by, it seems that vehicles are becoming more and more like the spaceships many of us admire in sci-fi movies. This is a great thing for those who have a preference for futuristic aesthetics and automation. Amidst all of these changes, automakers like Tesla and Lexus are leading the way. Their newest advancement? Reinventing steering! Keep reading to learn all about the steering yokes, their purpose and how you might come across them after your career training at ATC Surrey.

How Has Tesla Done With Their New Steering Yoke? 

For about the past century, cars have utilized the same kind of steering system, but recently, Tesla and Lexus have decided to swap out the traditional steering wheel for a simplified steering yoke. Both companies have taken a different approaches to this change. First, let’s explore what Tesla’s done.

Introduced when the Model S flagship sedan was revamped in 2021. Tesla simply removed the upper part of its steering wheel to increase forward visibility. The steering yoke resembles a video game controller with buttons for the horn, turn signals, light controls, and autopilot activation. Tesla’s vision was increased comfort from the reduced amount of effort required to control the steering yoke and a more responsive driving experience. How did they do?

The steering yokes you’ll come across after brake and wheel alignment training are designed to increase comfort and responsiveness.

After automotive school, you’ll notice that many drivers are habitual, and drastic changes can come with a learning curve. Reviews on Tesla’s new steering yoke have raised concerns about safety as many drivers moving their hands to find a steering wheel end up grasping at the air. How is Lexus’s approach different, and might it have solved Tesla’s problem? Let’s see! 

Lexus’s Version of the Steering Yoke

Lexus’s steering yokes are just as unusually shaped as Tesla’s; however, their revolutionary steer-by-wire functioning could solve some of the issues we’ve seen with Tesla. How so? The steer-by-wire system removes the physical-mechanical connection and instead interprets driver manoeuvers as electrical signals which are sent to an electrical motor. Lexus’s system allows the vehicle to interpret inputs from the driver’s actions based on several factors, including speed, road conditions, and the vehicle’s position on the road. Early reviews highlight a milder learning curve with Lexus, which puts it at a market advantage over Tesla.

As cars become smarter, specialized automotive school graduates will be needed.

In What Capacity Might You Work With Steering Yokes After Automotive School?

After brake and wheel alignment training, you’ll likely come across many electrical steering systems as automotive technology continues to advance. Though it’s difficult to tell whether systems like Lexus’s steer-by-wire function will be widely adopted, it’s certain that automakers will come up with something new. If this sounds like an interesting career path to you, the Brake and Wheel Alignment Training Program at ATC Surrey will prepare you to specialize in steering as vehicles become more complex and more expertise is needed. 

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