Car ergonomics is where science and technology create car designs optimised for comfort and safety. It covers everything from seats and supports, to angles and access.
As we spend an increasing amount of time in our vehicles–on average drivers in England spend 25 days per year in their cars - well crafted ergonomic interiors have become more important than ever.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn about car ergonomics from a medical perspective. We’ll focus on achieving the best driving posture recommended by physiotherapists, as well as advice on which accessories and features to look out for.
We provide tips for maintaining good posture during long drives and highlight which ergonomic features to consider when choosing a car.
By the end of this article, you'll understand how to create a driving environment that gives you the best posture and reduces the risk of driving-related discomfort or injuries.
Table of Contents
How to Optimise Your Car Seat for Maximum Comfort
Make your car seat work for you, especially on those long journeys. Proper seat adjustment isn't just about comfort - it's crucial for your safety and overall well-being.
Seat Height and Distance
Set your seat height so your eyes align with the top third of the windshield. This improves visibility and reduces neck strain.
For distance, position yourself to fully press the pedals with a slight knee bend.
Backrest and Seat Angle
Set the backrest angle between 100-110 degrees from your hips. Adjust the seat base to support your thighs evenly without pressure behind your knees
Lumbar Support
Proper lumbar support is essential for preventing lower back pain. Adjust it to gently fill your lower back's natural curve. If there's no built-in support, use a small cushion or rolled towel.
Alternatively, you can buy a lumbar support separately for a modest price. These are a fantastic investment if you do a lot of driving, and your car does not have built-in support.
Headrest Adjustment
Position the top of the headrest level with the top of your head, about 2-3 cm from the back of your head. This prevents whiplash and reduces neck fatigue.
Steering Wheel Position
Set the wheel so your arms are slightly bent when holding at 9 and 3 o'clock.
Pro Tip
"Pro tip: If you passed your test some time ago you probably would’ve been taught to hold the wheel at “10 and 2”. Modern steering wheels are designed to give better comfort and safer handling when your hands are at the “9 and 3” position."
Ensure it doesn't block your view of any instruments.
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The Ideal Posture While Driving
Driving with the right posture gives you more comfort and safety. It means less breaks on longer journeys and a more enjoyable driving experience.
Use this checklist to find your ideal driving posture:
Feet and Leg Positions
Your feet should rest comfortably on the pedals, with a slight bend in your knees. You should be able to fully depress the pedals without stretching or shifting your back off the seat.
Pro Tip
"Aim for about a 120-degree knee angle when you're on the brake"
Hip Position
Sit with your hips slightly higher than your knees. This position helps prevent hip and back pain. It maintains the natural curve of your spine and reduces pressure on your lower back. Adjust your seat height to achieve this alignment.
Back Support
Lean the seat back slightly, aiming for a 100–110-degree angle from your hips. This slight recline puts less pressure through your spine than sitting bolt upright. Ensure your lower back is supported by adjusting the lumbar support or using a small cushion if needed.
Shoulder and Arm Position:
Your shoulders should rest comfortably against the seat back even when holding the wheel. When you place your hands on the steering wheel, your arms should be slightly bent. This reduces strain on your shoulders and upper back.
Pay attention to the curvature of the seat around the shoulders. Adjust your seat so that the curved area isn’t pushing your shoulders forwards.
Head and Neck Alignment
Position the headrest so the top is level with the top of your head, and it's as close to the back of your head as comfortable. This helps prevent whiplash in case of an accident.
Ensure you can rest your head on the headrest when driving. Neck pain is a common problem often caused by driving with your head forwards rather than upright. The headrest position should still allow you to turn your head fully when needed.
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Hand Position on the Steering Wheel
As mentioned earlier, the traditional "10 and 2" position was long recommended, many experts now suggest placing your hands at "9 and 3" on the steering wheel. This provides better control and reduces the risk of injury if the airbag deploys.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Make sure to avoid these mistakes while sitting as these can negatively affect your posture.
- Sitting too close to the steering wheel: This increases injury risk from airbags.
- Reclining too far back: This can lead to neck strain and reduced visibility.
- Hunching forward: This puts unnecessary stress on your back and neck. It can also worsen the impact from your seatbelt in the event of an accident.
- Gripping the steering wheel too tightly: This can cause tension in your hands, arms and shoulders. It can even carry upwards to your neck.
Pro Tip
" A firm but relaxed grip improves control of the steering wheel and makes you safer when driving."
We recommend you begin by making small adjustments. You can use this guide to look at each element of your posture and work through them one by one to find the best position for your unique body shape. Take the time to adjust and pay attention to how your body feels.
The Must have Accessories for Enhanced Driving Comfort.
Proper car seat ergonomics isn't just about adjustments. Here are some key accessories to boost your driving comfort:
Lumbar Cushions and Supportive Pillows
These help to maintain your spine's natural 'S' curve. Good lumbar support distributes pressure evenly across your back, lowering the risk of back pain. If your back is well-supported, it also reduces fatigue when driving.
Look for cushions with adjustable thickness and breathable materials.
Seat Cushion and Pads.
These promote even weight distribution, reducing pressure points on your buttocks and thighs. This can improve circulation during long drives. We recommend contoured designs with non-slip bottoms and coccyx cutouts for tailbone relief.
Neck and Headrest Supports
These maintain neutral neck alignment, crucial for preventing fatigue and reducing the risk of whiplash. Choose supports with adjustable height and angle for a personalised fit.
When choosing these accessories, consider your specific needs and your vehicle's ergonomics. The goal is to support your body's natural posture and minimise strain during drives. Avoid any additional supports that may interfere with your view such as all windows, mirrors and blind spot.
Best Tips for Long Distance Comfort
For longer journeys maintaining comfort is key for both safety and enjoyment.
- Take Regular Breaks: Stop every 2 hours to stretch and move around.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly, but avoid excess caffeine.
- Adjust Your Position: Make small changes to your sitting position every 15-20 minutes.
- Use Cruise Control Wisely: It can help on long stretches, but not in heavy traffic.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose, breathable fabrics.
- Maintain Proper Temperature: Keep the car interior between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
- Pack Healthy Snacks: Bring easy-to-eat, nutritious options.
- Plan Your Route: Know where rest stops are located.
- Check Tire Pressure: Properly inflated tyres provide a smoother and safer ride.
- Protect Your Eyes: Use sunglasses and visors to reduce eye strain.
Choosing the Right Car for Comfort: What to Consider
When selecting a car for optimal comfort, consider these crucial elements:
Suspension Quality
A well-tuned suspension system is the foundation of a smooth ride. Look for cars with adaptive or adjustable suspension for the best comfort across various road conditions.
Seat Design
Focus on more than just adjustability. The best car seats offer a balance of support and softness. Consider cushions which are firm yet comfortable cushions, offer good lumbar support, and moderate side bolstering. Breathable materials will enhance your comfort in all weather.
Pro Tip
"take a 30-minute test drive to access seats comfort. This will give you enough time to get used to the ‘feel’ of the car."
Cabin Noise Levels
Many modern cars have made huge progress in reducing cabin noise. Look for low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels. These can all significantly impact on your driving experience. Research the car's sound insulation capabilities.
Interior Space
Consider not just legroom, but overall cabin spaciousness. Think of how much space you need put on your seatbelt, as well as being able to raise your elbows to change your shoulder position. This affects comfort for all passengers, especially on longer trips.
Climate Control Efficiency
Look for systems that maintain consistent temperature throughout the cabin, with features like dual-zone control and seat heating/cooling. This means you don’t have to think about adjusting the temperature or opening and closing the windows.
Visibility and Blind Spots
Large windows and minimal blind spots reduce stress while driving. Some cars offer better visibility than others due to pillar design and window placement.
Ride Height and Entry/Exit Ease
Getting in and out of the car safely and with ease is a big factor. This is particularly important for those with mobility issues. Some car designs make getting in and out much easier than others.
Remember, while many cars offer basic comfort features, these factors can vary significantly between models and greatly impact your daily driving experience.
The Impact of High Driving Position on Car Comfort
A high driving position, typically found in SUVs and crossovers, significantly affects overall comfort.
A high driving position enhance the visibility and reduce visual stress. It's not just the visibility, they also make entry and exist easier, particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues.
The higher position often results in a more upright seating angle, which can improve posture and reduce back strain on longer drives.
Our experts have compiled a list of best cars with high driving position. We recommend checking it out. If you’re after a smaller vehicle then we also have a list of best small cars with high driving position.
Motorfinity
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You can choose from Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP), and leasing deals. Each option provides flexibility and benefits tailored to different driving habits and budgetary needs.
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Gavin Williams
Physiotherapist
I'm a health & wellness writer and specialist physiotherapist with 19+ years clinical experience. My writing spans all areas of wellbeing, from healthcare & fitness to mental and spiritual health. My hobbies include climbing, music and keeping fit.
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