How to Determine if the Car Body is Straight During Driving Practice?
3 Answers
If driving on a highway, the simplest way to determine if the car body is straight is by using the central divider line or the edge line of the road. While driving, when the markings in both side mirrors are parallel to the car body, the car is not tilted; otherwise, minor adjustments are needed. For parking, when there are no other cars nearby, check through the rearview mirror whether the rear of the car is parallel to the road edge or the parking line. If there are cars nearby, observe through the rearview mirror whether the distance to the adjacent car is equal at both ends. Below are some tips for adjusting direction: 1. Learn to use the rearview mirrors and correct with the steering wheel: For example, during the reverse parking in the driving test, if the car body is not straight after entering the parking space, one side will appear wider than the other. At this point, observe through the rearview mirrors. 2. Follow the principle of 'steer towards the wider side' for adjustments: If moving forward and the car body leans to one side, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction, and remember to return the wheel by the same amount.
When practicing driving to judge if the car body is straight, I often check the rearview and side mirrors for comparison. In the rearview mirror, observe the lane lines or roadside reference points—if they are parallel to the car body, it means the car is straight. If they appear tilted, adjust the steering wheel to correct. Side mirrors are also crucial for checking if the wheels are perpendicular to the ground. Another method is to feel the steering wheel position; when the wheel is centered, the car body is usually straight. Maintain an upright sitting posture, look ahead, and avoid focusing solely inside the car. Practice more at low speeds, such as repeatedly testing on straight sections to build the habit. Using markers as reference points in the practice area makes it more intuitive. If unsure, ask a friend to observe and guide from outside—timely feedback speeds up learning. Remember to stay focused, as mastering the rearview mirror is a core skill.
When I first learned to drive, my instructor emphasized combining visual and sensory judgment. To check if the car is aligned straight, focus on a distant point ahead and the rearview mirrors. Align the center of the front windshield with a fixed target while glancing at the parallelism of the lane lines in the rearview mirrors. After straightening the steering wheel, the car should move straight. Checking the wheel angle with the side mirrors is also helpful. Sensationally, the car should run smoothly in a straight line without veering left or right, and the steering wheel should feel light and effortless. I often practiced in open spaces, using curbs or lane markings as reference points. Don’t drive too fast while practicing—start slow to build awareness, and once familiar, you can judge at higher speeds. If you make a mistake, don’t panic; just make slight adjustments to the steering wheel. With practice, it’ll become second nature.
