The virtual spaces of Europe open up to players from the first minute of launch Euro Truck Simulator 2, but the feeling of the steering wheel under your fingers does not come immediately. Many newbies have difficulty getting started, not understanding how to properly pull away or park a long trailer in a narrow parking lot. The simulator requires care and knowledge of the rules, which are often ignored in arcade racing, but here they become the foundation for success.
The gameplay is based on truck physics, which is significantly different from cars. You have to drive a multi-ton machine, where inertia and dimensions play a decisive role. Understanding that how to drive a car in ETS 2, takes time to master the interface, control settings and features of the road situation in different countries of the continent.
In this article we will examine in detail all aspects of driving: from initial control settings to complex reversing maneuvers. You'll learn how to effectively use different types of cameras, change gears, and follow traffic rules to become an elite truck driver. Get ready for a long road full of discoveries of other contracts.
Setting up controls and selecting devices
The first step before hitting the trail is to set up your input devices correctly. The game supports a wide range of equipment: from keyboard and mouse to advanced steering kits with force feedback. The keyboard defaults to arrows for rotations and keys T and G are responsible for the gas and brake respectively, but this method does not provide fine control over speed.
Using a gaming controller or steering wheel dramatically changes the driving experience. Analog sticks allow you to smoothly apply throttle and braking, which is critical for preventing skidding on wet roads. In control settings Options → Controls You can assign separate buttons to change gears, turn on the lights and control the cruise control.
If you use a steering wheel, be sure to calibrate the wheel angle to suit your device. For trucks in ETS 2 The turning radius is large, and incorrect calibration can cause the machine to react too harshly to hand movements. It's also worth turning on the "Force Feedback" function to feel the road resistance and the weight of the load through the vibrations of the steering wheel.
- 🎮 Adjust the sensitivity of the pedals for a smooth start without slipping.
- ⚙️ Assign separate keys for retarder and differential lock.
- 🔊 Turn on sound signals for a better understanding of engine operation.
- 🖥️ Check the display of prompts on the screen in the settings menu.
⚠️ Attention: When using the keyboard, avoid sharply pressing the turn keys, as this can lead to instantaneous drift of the trailer into a ditch at high speed.
Driving Basics: Starting, Driving and Braking
Starting the engine is just the beginning of the journey. To start driving a truck with a manual transmission, you must depress the clutch (Clutch), engage first gear and smoothly releasing the clutch, add gas. If you release the pedal too quickly, the engine will stall, which is considered an error in the simulator and can damage the virtual motor.
Driving along the highway requires constant monitoring of speed and maintaining distance. The truck has enormous inertia, so the braking distance is much longer than that of passenger cars. When approaching traffic lights or populated areas, start braking early, using not only the main brake system, but also the engine brake (Engine Brake), which helps reduce speed without wearing the pads.
Particular attention should be paid to cornering. When entering a turn, you need to slow down before entering the arc, and not during it. Sharp braking when turning a corner on a slippery road is guaranteed to cause the trailer to skid. Use retarder to maintain a stable speed on descents, which will save the main brakes from overheating.
☑️ Checklist before leaving for the route
Speed control is a key skill. On straight sections of the autobahn you can reach a speed of up to 90 km/h (limit for trucks), but in the city it should not exceed 50 km/h. Speeding is recorded by cameras and leads to fines that are deducted from your earnings.
Working with gearbox and camera types
B Euro Truck Simulator 2 Two main types of transmission are implemented: automatic and mechanical (clutch). Beginners are recommended to start with an automatic transmission, where gears change independently depending on engine speed. However, switching to a manual gives you more control, especially when driving uphill or maneuvering in tight spaces.
To change gears on a manual transmission, a combination of keys or paddles on the steering wheel is used. It is important not to allow the engine speed to be too low when driving in high gear, otherwise the truck will begin to nose-dive and lose traction. The optimal operating range of a diesel engine is around 1000-1500 rpm.
The road view is carried out through various types of cameras, which can be switched using a key C. View from the cabin (Interior View) is the most immersive and allows you to see the dashboard and mirrors. Third person view (Exterior View) is useful for estimating parking dimensions, but less realistic for regular driving.
| Camera view | Key | Description | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| View from the cabin | C | Driver's view | Driving on the highway, observing traffic rules |
| Exterior view | C | The camera follows the truck | Parking, size assessment |
| Mirrors | No shift | Reflection in the side mirrors | Changing lanes, reversing |
| Photo session | F11 | Free camera without interface | Taking screenshots |
⚠️ Attention: When using a third-person view, it is difficult to estimate the real distance to the vehicle in front, which can lead to an accident when the leader brakes sharply.
Secret species combinations
The game has many modified camera views available through the developer console, but a standard set of 5-6 camera angles fully covers the player's needs. To activate the free camera, use F11, but remember that controls in this mode are limited.
Parking and maneuvering in reverse
The most difficult part of the simulator for most players is parking. Reversing with a long trailer requires the complete opposite of what you would do with a car: to turn the trailer to the left, you need to turn the steering wheel to the right, and vice versa. This counterintuitive movement only becomes second nature after much practice.
When parking, always use a camera view that allows you to see the edges of the trailer and the parking space markings. Slow movement and short jerks of the steering wheel are the key to success. If you feel like you're "stuck" (the trailer is at a 90-degree angle to the cab), it's better to drive forward and straighten the vehicle than to try to correct the situation on the spot.
Use your rearview mirrors at all times. Blind spots are huge in a truck cab, and you can't rely on the backup camera alone. Turn on the hazard lights (H), if your actions may interfere with other traffic participants, even virtual ones.
- 🅿️ Always park slowly, using minimum engine speed.
- 🔄 Align the wheels before reversing.
- 👀 Watch the corners of the trailer in the side mirrors.
- 🛑 Stop immediately if you have lost your orientation in space.
The main secret of parking: it is better to make three extra movements back and forth than to try to park the truck in one complex maneuver, risking damage to the cargo.
Road signs and rules of conduct on the highway
world Euro Truck Simulator 2 recreates road signs and rules of various European countries. Speed limits, no-passing signs and toll roads all affect your route and budget. Ignoring stop signs or running red lights (Red Light) leads to an automatic fine and a decrease in reputation.
Different countries have different rules. For example, in Germany, on many sections of the autobahn there is no speed limit for passenger cars, but for trucks it is strictly fixed at 80-90 km/h. In the UK and Ireland, traffic drives on the left, which requires increased concentration when entering roundabouts.
Compliance with the rules not only avoids fines, but also protects your cargo. Accidents lead to damage to the cargo, for which the client has the right not to pay for delivery or demand compensation. Plus, driving carefully improves your safety rating, opening you up to more expensive contracts.
Watch for toll road signs. In some countries (France, Italy, Spain) you have to pay to travel on autobahns. Payment occurs automatically upon entry and exit through the barrier, the money is debited from your game account. Make sure there are funds on your balance, otherwise the barrier will not open.
Fuel economy and truck maintenance
Fuel is one of the main expenses in the simulator. Driving style directly affects consumption: sharp acceleration and high speed (>90 km/h) increase diesel consumption by 20-30%. Using cruise control on the highway helps maintain optimal engine performance and save money.
Timely service is also important. Monitor engine, transmission and tire wear. Driving on “bald” tires increases the braking distance and the risk of aquaplaning, and ignoring engine malfunctions can lead to a breakdown along the way, which will require calling emergency services.
It is better to refuel at large gas stations where the price is lower, or use fuel cards that can be purchased at dealerships. Plan your route to refuel in countries with cheap fuel (for example, Poland or the Baltic countries), avoiding gas stations in Scandinavia or Switzerland unless absolutely necessary.
Economist's tip: Buying your own fuel tank with a larger capacity will allow you to refuel full tanks in cheap regions and travel long distances without stopping.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How to enable automatic parking in ETS 2?
The basic version of the game does not have an automatic parking function. However, there are modifications (mods) that add this function, or you can use console commands to teleport, but this disables receiving achievements.
Why does the truck stall when starting?
Most likely, you are releasing the clutch pedal too quickly or not giving enough gas. Try to smoothly release the clutch until it “snaps”, slightly increasing the speed, and only then release the pedal completely.
How to quickly earn your first money?
At the beginning of the game, take "Quick Job" contracts without buying your own truck. Choose short-distance deliveries or “fragile cargo”, which pay higher prices but require careful driving.
Is it possible to drive without a trailer?
Yes, you can move without cargo, but this does not generate income. However, it is a great way to explore the map, search for car dealerships for garage purchases, or just drive around for fun without.
What to do if you get stuck in a garage or gas station?
Use the "Teleport to the nearest garage" function in the navigation menu or press F7 to call up the quick trip menu. As a last resort, you can use the developer console if it is enabled in the configuration file.