Driving the truck; steering | Driving your truck across the States American Truck Simulator Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
First of all it does not accelerate fast (that feature depends on the engine - the more powerful the better). Therefore, be careful when coming from a road without right of way, especially where there are no traffic lights (when leaving garage, a company or subordinated road).
Second thing is the braking distance - it is very long. If you prefer to ride economically, use the exhaust brake ([B] by default). There is also a hand brake ([Space]), by default) available, but avoid using him. If the braking distance is too long, you can change it in the options.
Third thing is the trailer stability - it can be a great pain for the new players. Since the game developers intend to make the game as realistic as possible, they make the gameplay more and more realistic. Trailer stability makes turning with high speed much harder. It cannot be easily explained how to not let the vehicle lose stability - you must definitely reduce speed when turning. You can also make things easier and set trailer stability to maximum in the options [More about setting the trailer stability can be found in the "first steps" chapter.]
When you drive for thousands of kilometers use a cruise control which is especially useful on highways. When your truck reaches the desired speed, e.g. 75 mph, click on a button to enable the cruise control ([C] by default). Remember that all trucks can go up to 75 mph. The only way to make them go faster is to turn the cruise control off in the options - but this is not recommended unless you are an advanced player.
The best camera to control the truck is the one located in a cabin. It is a bit awkward to drive with it through a city as you have to look around in order not to hit anything. However, on a highway the front view and mirrors are perfect. Use the real mirror on your left and a virtual one ([F2] by default) on the right (in order not to turn around all the time).
Turning
One could assume that a highway is a secure place but in fact, it is not always like that. Be careful on corners (e.g. with speed limit signs). Be especially careful on the turns while it's raining.
Also pay attention when driving through narrow city streets. Remember it is not so easy to turn with a long trailer. Before the turn go straight into the middle of the intersection and then start turning.
Therefore, you will avoid a collision with other vehicle standing on the next lane. The trailer must find its lane at once when turning, it cannot take any other one. It is crucial when driving through narrow one-lane streets.