Focus Indicator on Left Side

[whippet_zetec]

Originally Posted by losfp

Bad:
Still getting used to the LHD indicator stalks

trust me, after getting used to this style you will find it a much better driving ergonomic with the indicator stalk on the left hand side.

[losfp]

Originally Posted by whippet_zetec

trust me, after getting used to this style you will find it a much better driving ergonomic with the indicator stalk on the left hand side.

Why do you say that, whippet_zetec? Just curious, I would have thought that it would make more sense on the right side in a RHD car, so your left hand is free to change gears (manual or tiptronic).

Though I do find it makes me use both hands on the wheel a bit more, sometimes it is all too easy to get lazy and just use the right hand to steer and indicate

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by whippet_zetec

trust me, after getting used to this style you will find it a much better driving ergonomic with the indicator stalk on the left hand side.

Hehe, they said the same to me and while Im now used to it, if i had the choice i would put the indicators back on the RHS, cos you can flick them up with your hand while its resting on the doorsill.

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by whippet_zetec

trust me, after getting used to this style you will find it a much better driving ergonomic with the indicator stalk on the left hand side.

Why's that. The whole point of having the indicators on the right side is to have your gear-selecting hand free of doing that. Its egronomically poor that European cars are setup incorrectly this way - yet cars we export to them are set up properly for them.

Nice Focus mate.

[RED_EL_XR8]

Originally Posted by Steffo

Why's that. The whole point of having the indicators on the right side is to have your gear-selecting hand free of doing that. Its egronomically poor that European cars are setup incorrectly this way - yet cars we export to them are set up properly for them.

Nice Focus mate.

Single wipe for right, multiple rapid wipes for left, Everyone must know these by now!

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Steffo

Why's that. The whole point of having the indicators on the right side is to have your gear-selecting hand free of doing that. Its egronomically poor that European cars are setup incorrectly this way - yet cars we export to them are set up properly for them.

Nice Focus mate.

Steffo, do you ever get tired of writing crap? Seriously? I mean, exactly at what point in your very short life did you suddenly become an expert on ergonomics as well as everything else?
Maybe you should do a thesis explaining why you know better than some of the biggest car manufacturers in the world.
I personally dont like the indicator stalk on the left BUT I certainly am not arrogant enought to proclaim it as wrong.. I dont have the technical expertise in ergonomics nor the understanding of why it was done that way in the first place to make a broad brush sweeping statement like you that its wrong.

[zetec]

And one more thing Steffo, exactly what cars do we export to Europe per se? None that I know of in left hand drive...

My understanding is that it's not easy/cost effective to swap them (having heard that somewhere over the years) which may be true, but it's a negligible difference once you're used to it. I've been in and out of both European and Australian built vehicles for years and it has never once caused a problem for me. Many people can't cope with this, I used to change on a daily basis and never confused the stalks, I still drive different work vehicles and have no dramas. It's all about turning on your brain. I have no issues with it and apart from the occasional first off windscreen wipe by accident, it's a non-event.

Each side can be argued that you either have one hand free to change gears when they're on the right, or when on the left you can permanently keep your right hand on the wheel completely. There's arguments for both, I just live with the reality and get on with life. I find it sad that so many people think of this as a major point in why they don't like European cars or why they're stupid when it's so pointlessly pathetic to argue this point that it's hardly worth the breath used. I drive a manual lhd-indicator Focus and my brain is capable enough of coping with the tasks. It's not exactly common practice to change down mid corner anyway and also remember that not all European cars are manuals anyway so for the auto's it's completely a non-issue anyway. I just wish people would grow up and get over it. It's different, so what.

[chevaps]

I too dont have an issue with the LH indicator stalk. All the cars in my family apart from my focus have RH indicator stalks, and its just a matter of switching your brain on when i hop into the other cars.

Originally Posted by zetec

It's not exactly common practice to change down mid corner anyway and also remember that not all European cars are manuals anyway so for the auto's it's completely a non-issue anyway.

This was exactly what i was gona write while i was reading through the post, but you beat me to it. With my sister recntly getting her licence, the general rule we bestowed upon her was:
INDICATE, BRAKE, CHANGE GEAR, TURN

Tom

[focus_gal]

Having driven a Mondeo before I do understand how hard it can be to get used to things being the "other way around" so to speak. Although when I test drove the Focus I didn't flash my wipers at anyone, although I can't promise anything once I get it though! ;)

[Timmeh]

Just split the threads to keep losfp's new car thread on topic.

On this topic, I prefer the LH stalk, my left hand is active anyway, you can easily turn on the indicator on the way down to change gears, plus the hand is already there with the music controls and all. Your right hand never has to let go of the wheel so you stand less chance of losing control. If you are finding yourself simply having to change gears and indicate at the same time all the time, then you don't have much forethought, in my opinion. And I drive in Sydney, have done for years, so traffic doesnt affect this at all. In fact, it's a time when you want a hand on the wheel in control all the time.

It's safer and I like it. Am I bias? Maybe, but I keep going back for more.

Tim

[Teki04]

I think the wipers on the Left are much easier for a RHD.... its safer as your left hand does all the gears and indicators, and your right hand is ALWAYS on the steering wheel, in case something happens out in the corner of your eye. Just much easier to adapt too. When i was learning manual, the indicators on the left were much easier to use then on the right, just have to get the coordination right and indicate before slowing down or inbetween gear changing


EDIT: typo > RHD

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Timmeh

Just split the threads to keep losfp's new car thread on topic.

On this topic, I prefer the LH stalk, my left hand is active anyway, you can easily turn on the indicator on the way down to change gears, plus the hand is already there with the music controls and all. Your right hand never has to let go of the wheel so you stand less chance of losing control. If you are finding yourself simply having to change gears and indicate at the same time all the time, then you don't have much forethought, in my opinion. And I drive in Sydney, have done for years, so traffic doesnt affect this at all. In fact, it's a time when you want a hand on the wheel in control all the time.

It's safer and I like it. Am I bias? Maybe, but I keep going back for more.

Tim

Well I drive an auto and Im lazy (hence why i drive one) and i prefer it on the RHS : :Reverend:

[The MaDDeSTMaN]

Originally Posted by Timmeh

Just split the threads to keep losfp's new car thread on topic.

On this topic, I prefer the LH stalk, my left hand is active anyway, you can easily turn on the indicator on the way down to change gears, plus the hand is already there with the music controls and all. Your right hand never has to let go of the wheel so you stand less chance of losing control. If you are finding yourself simply having to change gears and indicate at the same time all the time, then you don't have much forethought, in my opinion. And I drive in Sydney, have done for years, so traffic doesnt affect this at all. In fact, it's a time when you want a hand on the wheel in control all the time.

It's safer and I like it. Am I bias? Maybe, but I keep going back for more.

Well said, and I agree, it's one of those little things (out of many, lol) that I DON'T like about the XF compared to the Escorts I had. Oh well, one day I'll get back into a car which has the indicators on the side I prefer.

[whippet_zetec]

the reason it is more ergonomic is because you are going to need to use your left hand to change gears anyway arent you? so before moving to the gear lever you can use that same hand to move the indicator to the required position on your way.....therefore you basically do all things in the one movement rather than swapping hands to do different things, and as pointed out above retain control (or more control) by having your dominant hand (unless you are in that 10% of the population who are left handed) on the steering wheel secure.

[svo347]

I drove a volvo once, had the indicator on the left, same with jeep cheroke's pain in the *** but i guess you get used to it until you get into another car

[zetec]

Right Hand - Firmly on wheel

Left Hand - Loosen grip, indicate on way down, grab gear shift, drop back into 2nd, drop back to handbrake, pull hand brake, let go of handbrake, lift back up to wheel and feed on opposite lock

Undies - dirty but hey it was worth it!

[The MaDDeSTMaN]

Originally Posted by zetec

Right Hand - Firmly on wheel

Left Hand - Loosen grip, indicate on way down, grab gear shift, drop back into 2nd, drop back to handbrake, pull hand brake, let go of handbrake, lift back up to wheel and feed on opposite lock

Undies - dirty but hey it was worth it!

Hehehe, well said mate, sounds like you were describing me driving my Escort before I sold it perfectly LOL!

But yes, to me at least it seems logical, because that way it can be all part of one fluid, natural motion

[Timmeh]

Of course, any activities would be done on private property, or with the engine switched off and the vehicle stationary.

In the finest tradition of Australian Ford Forums, drive safely on public roads. Think of the kittens.

Tim

[chevaps]

Originally Posted by Timmeh

Of course, any activities would be done on private property, or with the engine switched off and the vehicle stationary.

In the finest tradition of Australian Ford Forums, drive safely on public roads. Think of the kittens.

Tim

Yes, yes you should. Shame on everyone who doesnt _2:

[The MaDDeSTMaN]

Originally Posted by Timmeh

Of course, any activities would be done on private property, or with the engine switched off and the vehicle stationary.

In the finest tradition of Australian Ford Forums, drive safely on public roads. Think of the kittens.

Tim

Of course, putting the indicator on is just a matter of habit that is hard to break, even when having a bit of fun in a private paddock.

[zetec]

Naturally this is when turning into the dirt driveway of a mate's place who lives in the outskirts of Bowral, as soon as you hit his driveway it's handbrake on!!