Reasons for the Right Front Wheel Crossing the Line in a 90-Degree Turn
4 Answers
The main reason for the right front wheel crossing the line in a 90-degree turn is an incorrect entry angle. Here is a detailed introduction to the techniques for a 90-degree turn: 1. Entering the turn: For a left turn, approach the corner, keeping 300mm from the side line, and enter the turn. 2. Steering: When the left rearview mirror aligns with the inner corner of the turn, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and proceed out of the corner. Before turning, try to drive as close to the outer side as possible. Only start turning inward slowly when the front of the car is about 500~700mm from the opposite side line. 3. Exiting the turn: Align the front of the car with the exit, straighten the steering wheel, and continue forward. While looking ahead, also observe the rearview mirror. When you feel the middle of the car is about to reach the vertex of the corner, slowly straighten the steering wheel and gradually adjust the car's direction until it completely exits the turn, completing the 90-degree turn.
When I was teaching students to practice right-angle turns in the training car, I noticed that the right front wheel hitting the line was mostly due to misaligned reference points. Sitting too upright or slouching too deeply can cause the wiper's raised point to misalign with the curb, and a delay of a few seconds in steering timing will result in the tire grazing the line. Another common issue is students retracting their necks while turning, causing the steering wheel to veer off course. Remember to fully turn the wheel to the right as soon as the hood covers the front horizontal line, while gently pressing the brake with your right foot to control speed. Quickly straighten the wheel as the car body nears alignment—the entire process must be smooth. Experienced drivers know that late steering will inevitably clip the outer corner, and excessive speed can send the car off the curve.
Last time when I accompanied my wife practicing driving, I realized that ordinary people easily overlook the inner wheel difference when turning. They think it's safe once the front wheels have turned, but actually the right front wheel is still slowly swinging outward. Especially when driving a long-wheelbase SUV, the turning radius is much larger than that of a sedan. I told her to start turning half a meter in advance when making a right-angle turn, and to align the center of the car's front with the bend's center for stability. The rearview mirror should be adjusted lower to clearly see the right curb. If you feel the tire is about to scrape, make slight adjustments to the steering. Beginners should pay special attention not to let the A-pillar block their view; leaning slightly to see the road is safer.
With over a decade of experience in auto repair, I've adjusted hundreds of vehicles with wheel alignment issues. The most common cause for the right front wheel cutting corners is aging steering tie rod bushings, resulting in increased steering wheel play—what feels like a 90-degree turn might only rotate the tires 70 degrees. Additionally, excessive tire pressure reduces the tire's contact patch, making it easier to lose traction and veer off course during turns. It's even more problematic if you've switched to tires of different specifications without performing a four-wheel alignment, as the turning radius won't match the factory parameters. A reminder to everyone: if the steering gear play exceeds 5 millimeters, the bushings must be replaced, and maintaining tire pressure at the values indicated on the door placard is the safest approach.
