How to Adjust When the Car Has Turned?
3 Answers
If the car has turned, the driver should first determine the orientation, which is the north-south direction. The sun can be used as a directional reference point to preliminarily determine the south direction, and then the driver's position can be identified based on the reference point. Alternatively, the direction can be determined by observing the position of the sun, the density of leaves, stars, etc. Once north is found, the direction can be established. Below are some driving precautions: 1. Check the rearview mirrors: When turning or changing lanes, always use the turn signal, slow down, and check the rearview mirrors before turning. Left turns mainly require checking the left rearview mirror, right turns mainly require checking the right rearview mirror, and both left and right turns require checking the interior rearview mirror. 2. Don’t focus solely on the front of the car: When driving on a clear road, look straight ahead at a distance of 100 meters, avoiding fixation on the immediate front of the car. 3. Depress the clutch: Generally, when decelerating at speeds above 40 km/h, there’s no need to depress the clutch first; wait until the speed drops to around 20 km/h before depressing the clutch. 4. Steering: Turn the steering wheel slowly at high speeds and quickly at low speeds.
I deal with cars a lot in my daily work, and when I notice unstable or misaligned steering, there are several areas to check. Uneven tire pressure is a common cause—if one side is higher than the other, the car will pull toward the lower-pressure side. Start by measuring the pressure in all four tires and inflating them to the manual's specifications; this often solves the problem. If the steering wheel is off-center, you might need to adjust the tie rods—loosen the adjustment nut, turn the rod to adjust its length, then retighten. Sometimes, wheel misalignment requires a four-wheel alignment, which involves adjusting the steering knuckle and toe angle; it's best to have this done professionally with alignment equipment. A faulty power steering system can also cause this, such as a failing electric power motor or hydraulic fluid leaks—check the power steering pump and fluid levels. Don’t forget to inspect ball joints and bearings for wear; if they’re loose, the steering will feel floaty. Steering issues shouldn’t be taken lightly, as they affect driving safety—it’s best to diagnose and fix them early.
As an ordinary person who drives frequently, I do simple checks myself when encountering steering issues. The first step is to check if the steering wheel is centered. If it's tilted when driving straight, it might just be a minor deviation in the steering gear, which can be adjusted by yourself but requires caution. It's best to proceed from easy to difficult: first, check the tires—uneven tire pressure or uneven tread wear can cause the car to pull to one side. Then, inspect the suspension components—worn bushings on the lower control arm can make steering unstable. Sometimes, if the steering wheel feels stuck when turning while parked, it might be due to loose steering column bolts, and tightening them can help. If adjustments don’t resolve the issue, consider getting a wheel alignment done by a professional shop to calibrate the wheelbase and camber using computer tools. Many modern cars have electronic power steering, and issues with the control module can also affect steering—scan for fault codes to confirm. Unusual steering noises are often a sign of wear and shouldn’t be ignored. For safety, avoid attempting repairs yourself if unsure.
