Driving position pain

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emmajeanne

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Hi I'm hoping someone out there can help. This is my third A3 - 09 Sportback Sport manual tdi, 64 sportback manual 1.4 TFSI, now 67 Sportback Sport 1.5 stronic automatic, all driven from new.
Since getting the automatic last November I just can't get a comfortable driving position despite making all known adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. I feel my right foot is having to flex upward too much when easing off the gas and then I have to lift it even higher when braking. It's got so bad now that I can't drive for more than 30 mins before I get pain in the outside of my knee which gets worse and worse as it spreads up into my hip and lower back. At first I thought it must be me not used to automatics then I had to drive a Skoda Fabia automatic courtesy car for a month while mine had repairs to the roof (storm damage - another story!) and my leg and back were absolutely fine even for long journeys. I got mine back and the problems started again even worse than before.
I'm now getting neck, back and leg pain even when I'm not driving and whilst I've never had a back problem I soon will have! Despite being a loyal Audi owner I'm even considering trading down to a Volvo.
Has anyone had similar problems, comment and advise please. Thanks Emma.
 
Which seats are fitted?

Maybe an idea to consult an osteopath aswell.
 
Thanks
Sport seats in rally cloth.
I had sports seats in the 09 tdi. I'm thinking of consulting a chiropractor or similar but the problem seems to be the car not me since all the problems disappear when I drive a different car.
 
I’d ask a local osteopath to get you to help you set your adjustments up, one of my previous work places used to have an occupational health person trained in seat position which was great as if you were taking a company car for a long trip, they get you sorted with a perfect seating position before you left
 
SamR92 said:
I’d ask a local osteopath to get you to help you set your adjustments up, one of my previous work places used to have an occupational health person trained in seat position which was great as if you were taking a company car for a long trip, they get you sorted with a perfect seating position before you left
Click to expand...
Thanks good idea to try.
 
Unfortunately, if you have a tendency to a bad back it is very difficult to assess how a car seat will suit during even a long test drive.
I do have a bad back but my car has standard seats and they are among the most comfortable I have had. Certainly better than my previous car.
In my experience, sports seats are generally too hard to be comfortable (for me at least)
The most useful features of my current drivers seat is the extending seat front (support under the knee) and the lumbar support, which is absolutely vital for me.
 
I've been trying for 7 months to get a comfortable driving position in my 8v. I never had this problem in my previous 8p. I've even been getting arm numbness after long journeys sometimes. For me it seems to be to do with not being able to get near enough to the steering wheel without being too close to the pedals. I think I've finally got a reasonable position sorted but I still feel I should be a bit nearer the wheel. I must add I do prefer a fairly low driving position so this could be a contributory factor. I also agree that the seat base extension is a good feature and helps to get comfy.
 
amb66 said:
I've been trying for 7 months to get a comfortable driving position in my 8v. I never had this problem in my previous 8p. I've even been getting arm numbness after long journeys sometimes. For me it seems to be to do with not being able to get near enough to the steering wheel without being too close to the pedals. I think I've finally got a reasonable position sorted but I still feel I should be a bit nearer the wheel. I must add I do prefer a fairly low driving position so this could be a contributory factor. I also agree that the seat base extension is a good feature and helps to get comfy.
Click to expand...
Assume you are pulling the steering wheel out as far as it will go?
 
RichardT said:
Assume you are pulling the steering wheel out as far as it will go?
Click to expand...

Try the following:

Adjust the seat height first then move the seat back and forth to a comfortable position. Place your left foot fully to the floor where it would be depressing the clutch if one were fitted. Then crank the backrest to an upright position and adjust the steering wheel reach and rake. Your arms should be slightly bent at the elbow and you should be able to reach the top of the wheel without leaning forwards.

At this point you can now make fine adjustments to the seat cushion angle (the lever on the right hand side at the front) and try extending the seat cushion and/or lumbar support if fitted.

I find I had similar problems to yourself being only 5’6 with short arms! The seat angle adjuster was crucial for me.

Hope this helps.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Yes the steering wheel is out as far as it will go. I'll give this technique a try that you've suggested Muttley, thanks for that.
 
If it's any consolation I had exactly the same problem in my 8V. After every possible seat adjustment including lumbar had been tried I gave up and got rid. Got into an A5 B8.5 never been more comfortable, pain went away immediately.

It's an issue with this model imo as I never had an issue in my B7 or 8P.
 
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emmajeanne said:
Hi I'm hoping someone out there can help. This is my third A3 - 09 Sportback Sport manual tdi, 64 sportback manual 1.4 TFSI, now 67 Sportback Sport 1.5 stronic automatic, all driven from new.
Since getting the automatic last November I just can't get a comfortable driving position despite making all known adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. I feel my right foot is having to flex upward too much when easing off the gas and then I have to lift it even higher when braking. It's got so bad now that I can't drive for more than 30 mins before I get pain in the outside of my knee which gets worse and worse as it spreads up into my hip and lower back. At first I thought it must be me not used to automatics then I had to drive a Skoda Fabia automatic courtesy car for a month while mine had repairs to the roof (storm damage - another story!) and my leg and back were absolutely fine even for long journeys. I got mine back and the problems started again even worse than before.
I'm now getting neck, back and leg pain even when I'm not driving and whilst I've never had a back problem I soon will have! Despite being a loyal Audi owner I'm even considering trading down to a Volvo.
Has anyone had similar problems, comment and advise please. Thanks Emma.
Click to expand...

Funnily enough, I have found the pedal positions uncomfortable on Auto DSG cars, compared to the manual cars. I thought it was just me, but it sounds like you have found the same issue. I'm very sensitive to seat position though.
 
Emma, you have my sympathy! I spent the best part of year with sciatica-like pain from driving two different cars (both autos) that also spread to my non-driving activities. Got so bad that I couldn’t sleep without pain killers some nights. Now, I am relieved to say, my symptoms are gone so I want to offer some suggestions. (I have no expertise in this area so just take this as based on my own experience):

First off, I think the problem is more likely you than it is the car. It could be the car of course but you don’t want to change cars into one that provides temporary relief only for the problem to re-manifest when you clock up daily driver mileage. First make sure your posture is a comfortable as possible....

Chances are you are sitting too low. Most people do. Fundamental to good seated posture is a gentle slope downwards from the hips to the knees, just as when you sit properly at a dining table, office desk, piano etc. This is almost impossible to achieve in a car (unless you drive an SUV) but is approached better with a high seating position.

Set your seat as high as you can feel comfortable with. Next adjust the backrest to a slight slope. Next move the seat forward/backward until you can just press the imaginary clutch pedal to the floor with a slight bend to the left knee. Next adjust the steering wheel reach/rake until you can place your wrists on the wheel at 10/2 with arms gently extended and your shoulder blades still touching the seat back. Voila. (Note, other than checking for traffic at junctions etc your shoulder blades should never leave the seat back when driving).

Check when seated that your weight is carried on your sit bones and not on your lower spine, also that is is equally distributed left to right. In this respect....

Many drivers of automatic cars develop a particular postural problem. With your right leg doing all the work your body subconsciously compensates with a lateral pelvic tilt and a spinal slump to help free it up. You don’t notice until the pain starts. This must be avoided at all costs. One of the easiest ways is to keep the left leg busy. Obvious safety caution here but learning to left-foot brake can cause a breakthrough. It did for me. FWIW, I learned by two foot braking first so each time he right foot comes up to the right half of the brake pedal so the left foot comes along for the ride until, it feels comfortable to take over. Careful, it will take a LOT of practice before you can modulate the brakes well with your left foot put the payback is huge.

Finally, if you have pain from driving you likey have bad posture and therefore likely have poor core strength. A dozen sessions with a good Pilates teacher will give you the most radical improvement ime.
 
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Some excellent advice there Satory thanks for taking the time to share it. I do think there could be a problem with the 8v though because I had the same driving position in my 8p and didn't have issues. Also I have good core strength and work on keeping a good posture at all times so at least for me I don't think these are major factors. I've been wondering if the lack of a right foot rest could contribute as it results in your right foot needing to be drawn back towards you. The 8p had a great right foot rest which I do miss and never really understood why they couldn't fit one in the 8v.
 
Sadly not. Golfs all have them but the FL A3 doesn't for some inexplicable reason.
 
I think this is quite subjective. I had terrible trouble with my old car, a Skoda Fabia. After long drives I could hardly walk the sciatica was so bad. That was a manual though and my S3 is S-tronic (like the OP's). I've just driven it 900 Km through Holland and Germany over 2 days with a sprained left ankle (luckily not used) and it was fine. I will admit though that it took months before I was entirely happy with my driving position. I could never seem to get it quite right. The solution for me was to raise the seat height a bit and fiddle with the steering wheel position until it was comfortable. Off topic but the car was simply brilliant on the autobahns and every bit as much fun as I thought it would be.:grinning:
 
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amb66 said:
I've been trying for 7 months to get a comfortable driving position in my 8v. I never had this problem in my previous 8p. I've even been getting arm numbness after long journeys sometimes. For me it seems to be to do with not being able to get near enough to the steering wheel without being too close to the pedals. I think I've finally got a reasonable position sorted but I still feel I should be a bit nearer the wheel. I must add I do prefer a fairly low driving position so this could be a contributory factor. I also agree that the seat base extension is a good feature and helps to get comfy.
Click to expand...
Yes that’s similar to how I feel although I don’t need to pull out the seat extension. I’m trying a foam seat wedge cushion tomorrow and chiropractor on Monday, test driving a Volvo V40 on Saturday but I really don’t want to give up my lovely A3!
 
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Satory said:
Emma, you have my sympathy! I spent the best part of year with sciatica-like pain from driving two different cars (both autos) that also spread to my non-driving activities. Got so bad that I couldn’t sleep without pain killers some nights. Now, I am relieved to say, my symptoms are gone so I want to offer some suggestions. (I have no expertise in this area so just take this as based on my own experience):

First off, I think the problem is more likely you than it is the car. It could be the car of course but you don’t want to change cars into one that provides temporary relief only for the problem to re-manifest when you clock up daily driver mileage. First make sure your posture is a comfortable as possible....

Chances are you are sitting too low. Most people do. Fundamental to good seated posture is a gentle slope downwards from the hips to the knees, just as when you sit properly at a dining table, office desk, piano etc. This is almost impossible to achieve in a car (unless you drive an SUV) but is approached better with a high seating position.

Set your seat as high as you can feel comfortable with. Next adjust the backrest to a slight slope. Next move the seat forward/backward until you can just press the imaginary clutch pedal to the floor with a slight bend to the left knee. Next adjust the steering wheel reach/rake until you can place your wrists on the wheel at 10/2 with arms gently extended and your shoulder blades still touching the seat back. Voila. (Note, other than checking for traffic at junctions etc your shoulder blades should never leave the seat back when driving).

Check when seated that your weight is carried on your sit bones and not on your lower spine, also that is is equally distributed left to right. In this respect....

Many drivers of automatic cars develop a particular postural problem. With your right leg doing all the work your body subconsciously compensates with a lateral pelvic tilt and a spinal slump to help free it up. You don’t notice until the pain starts. This must be avoided at all costs. One of the easiest ways is to keep the left leg busy. Obvious safety caution here but learning to left-foot brake can cause a breakthrough. It did for me. FWIW, I learned by two foot braking first so each time he right foot comes up to the right half of the brake pedal so the left foot comes along for the ride until, it feels comfortable to take over. Careful, it will take a LOT of practice before you can modulate the brakes well with your left foot put the payback is huge.

Finally, if you have pain from driving you likey have bad posture and therefore likely have poor core strength. A dozen sessions with a good Pilates teacher will give you the most radical improvement ime.
Click to expand...
Thanks good advice I will try all your suggestions
 
RichardT said:
That’s unbelievable! Would a pfl one fit I wonder?
Click to expand...
I'll have a look into that. Would be great if it did. I lowered the seat base front section slightly today and that was a major improvement in comfort. Hopefully I've nailed it, time will tell. Its only long journeys that I've had problems. Pottering around and shorter journeys its fine. I do think its possible to get a good position in the A3, it just seems to take a heck of a long time to find it for some of us.
 
amb66 said:
I'll have a look into that. Would be great if it did. I lowered the seat base front section slightly today and that was a major improvement in comfort. Hopefully I've nailed it, time will tell. Its only long journeys that I've had problems. Pottering around and shorter journeys its fine. I do think its possible to get a good position in the A3, it just seems to take a heck of a long time to find it for some of us.
Click to expand...

Too many things you can adjust! I recall my first car back in the early 90s. A Ford Escort that had a fixed steering wheel and the only adjustments on the seat were sliding it back and forth or a dial to alter the angle of the backrest. Never had any problems with that. By contrast, I tweak something in the A3 every time I get in it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
In any case, don't change Audi to Volvo! Audi is several times cooler than the Volvo. You can exchange the maximum for another Audi. But not on a Volvo. If your body hurts so much, then start doing yoga. For example, devote an hour a day to yoga. When I had back pained, I found cool yoga exercises from back pain. I was advised to use them on https://yogapractice.com/yoga/yoga-poses-for-sciatica-pain-relief/. And these exercises really work. I lost my irritability and back pain. So try to train daily. I think this will help you.
 
Just picked up on this thread. When I bought my 2019 new last March I thought I had made a big mistake. I could not get comfortable. The seats are thin and I found my lower back and top of legs very soar after short drives. I seem to recall raising the seat up and getting into the habit of sitting with my left side slightly forward and pulling my right foot over to the right and using cruise control whenever possible. A few months into ownership I noticed the problem had gone. I was sitting normally, the leather sports seats had softened and fitted me. That summer I had a near 700 mile trip back from France and felt no discomfort. To me it was as if the seat had acted like a broken in shoe.

Colin
 
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Keithfoxy said:
In any case, don't change Audi to Volvo! Audi is several times cooler than the Volvo. You can exchange the maximum for another Audi. But not on a Volvo. If your body hurts so much, then start doing yoga. For example, devote an hour a day to yoga. When I had back pained, I found cool yoga exercises from back pain. I was advised to use them on https://yogapractice.com/yoga/yoga-poses-for-sciatica-pain-relief/. And these exercises really work. I lost my irritability and back pain. So try to train daily. I think this will help you.
Click to expand...
Where can I find some more feedback?
 
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