What is the reason for not being able to drive straight and always veering off?
4 Answers
Driving without being able to maintain a straight line is often due to excessive steering wheel movements. Here are some techniques for driving straight. First, stabilize and straighten the steering wheel: Start by ensuring the steering wheel is properly aligned. Avoid making large steering adjustments and keep the wheel steady. Find appropriate reference points on the road: Learn to identify suitable reference points on the road to help maintain straight-line driving over long distances. Examples include the center lane markings and the road edges. Looking far ahead makes it easier to drive straight: Novice drivers often struggle to keep the vehicle straight on wide road sections. This is because the vast space and broad field of vision can weaken the reference points provided by road edges and markings.
I always drive crooked, and I think it's due to unstable steering wheel control. Beginners often face this issue because they tend to grip the wheel too tightly or over-turn it due to nervousness when starting to learn. I remember when I first started, even driving on a straight road felt like the car was veering—it was actually because I was only focusing on the car’s front and not looking far ahead at a target. During practice, you should relax your shoulders and hands, fix your eyes on an object about 100 meters ahead, and make slight adjustments to the steering. Even if the car drifts, avoid jerking the wheel, as it can have the opposite effect. I recommend practicing straight-line starts and stops in an empty parking lot or getting someone to guide you from the side. Safety-wise, driving crooked can easily lead to scraping the curb or accidents, especially on highways. Check if your tire pressure is even, as uneven pressure can also cause the car to pull to one side. With more practice, you’ll naturally improve—driving is all about practice making perfect, so take it slow and steady.
The car is pulling to one side, probably due to wheel alignment issues. Last time my car kept veering right on straight roads, and a check at the repair shop revealed the front wheel alignment was off. Incorrect wheel alignment leads to uneven tire wear and causes the car to pull in one direction. Other possible causes include worn shock absorbers, loose steering, or hub wear, which can also affect alignment. Checking is simple: start with tire pressure to ensure all four are at the standard value, like 2.3-2.5 bar; then shake the steering wheel to check for looseness. The solution is to take the car for an alignment adjustment—a professional shop charges just a few dozen yuan for a test. Remember, driving misaligned not only wastes fuel but also accelerates part wear. Regularly check during maintenance to prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Drifting while driving often results from distraction or fatigue. Once when I was driving home after overtime, my hands unconsciously turned the steering wheel, clearly due to exhaustion and slowed reactions. Prolonged driving can also stiffen the body, leading to this issue. It's advisable to rest for half an hour before driving and stretch your muscles every hour. Staying focused is key—avoid phone calls or chatting to prevent distraction. Hold the steering wheel lightly with your palms, without gripping too tightly. Slight drifting on highways can be dangerous and may cause rear-end collisions. Bring some refreshing drinks but don't overconsume, and keep music at a low volume to aid concentration. Develop a habit of taking regular breaks—safety comes first.
