How many meters of deviation during straight driving is considered normal for a vehicle?
2 Answers
For a vehicle driving steadily over 1000 meters, a deviation within 5 meters is considered normal. Exceeding this range indicates a vehicle deviation issue. Immediate comprehensive inspection at a service station is recommended to prevent various potential hazards caused by deviation, as the consequences should never be overlooked. Causes of vehicle deviation include: 1. Incorrect four-wheel alignment: In most cases, deviation can be resolved through four-wheel alignment. However, if the issue persists after alignment, other causes should be considered. 2. Unequal tire pressure on both sides: Different tire pressures result in uneven tire sizes, inevitably leading to deviation during driving. 3. Front shock absorber failure: Failed front shock absorbers cause uneven suspension height during driving, leading to uneven force distribution and deviation. Special shock absorber testers can be used to assess the condition of shock absorbers. If disassembly is not feasible, a stretching method can be employed for evaluation. 4. Chassis wear: Excessive wear or abnormal gaps in vehicle chassis components can easily cause deviation. Pay special attention to wear conditions in parts such as steering tie rod ball joints, support arm bushings, and stabilizer bar bushings, as these are prone to excessive gaps.
I've been driving for over a decade, and it's normal for a vehicle to have a slight tendency to drift when going straight, especially on flat highways. A lateral deviation of about 10 to 20 centimeters over 100 meters is really no big deal. After all, roads aren't perfectly level, and suspension systems naturally have minor deviations. Uneven tire pressure can also cause some drift. But if it drifts more than half a meter within 100 meters, I'd say something's wrong—it might be incorrect wheel alignment or worn suspension parts, and you should head to the dealership for a check-up. Last time my car drifted 40 centimeters, but after getting the alignment fixed, it ran much smoother. Don't forget to check your tire pressure regularly—once a month—to prevent bigger issues. Safety always comes first.
