How to Tell if the Car Body is Straight During Driving Practice?

[MichaelLee]

The simplest way to determine if the car body is straight is by using the center divider line or edge line of the road. When the reference lines in both side mirrors are parallel to the car body, then the car body is straight; otherwise, minor adjustments are needed. When there are no cars nearby, check through the rearview mirror whether the rear of the car is parallel to the road edge or the parking line.

[DelEmerson]

After driving for so long, I find the most practical way to judge if the car body is straight is by checking the rearview mirrors. Take a quick glance at both side mirrors—if the car body and the road markings on both sides remain parallel, it means both the front and rear of the car are aligned. Sometimes, when the markings aren't clear, I focus on a fixed distant reference point, like a streetlight or railing, and align the center of the car's front with it. Pay extra attention to the mirrors when reversing, especially during parallel parking—stop when the rear door handle is parallel with the parking line. Adjusting the seat properly is also crucial. The first thing I do when getting in the car is adjust my seating position, ensuring my back is firmly against the seatback for an accurate line of sight. After practicing a few times, muscle memory takes over, and you don’t even need to think about it.

[IsabelleMarie]

Back when I just got my driver's license, I also struggled with this. My instructor taught me three foolproof tricks: First, check if the steering wheel is straightened - if it's aligned, the car is already 70-80% straight. Then observe your left leg position - if your left knee points directly at the dashboard center, your alignment is basically correct. Finally, verify through the rearview mirror; if the mirror edges run parallel to road markings, you're good. During rainy days when lines aren't visible, pay attention to whether the distance between the hood's ridges and both road edges appears equal. Remember these techniques - after practicing four or five times, they'll become instinctive reactions. Just a quick glance while driving will give you confidence.

[MirandaRose]

Here's a super simple trick for checking your car's posture while reversing: observe the rear windshield. Divide the rear window into left and right halves – when your target spot (like a garage corner) aligns dead center, your car is perfectly straight. For parallel parking, I always check the right side mirror and stop once the rear door handle just touches the curb. When driving straight, focus on a central point 100 meters ahead and keep the hood's midpoint aligned with it. The window's lower edge running parallel to road markings is another good reference. Pro tip: place a water bottle on the dashboard during practice – if the water surface stays level, your car's balanced.