What is the simplest method for driving straight with an automatic transmission?
4 Answers
Before starting the car, adjust your seating position properly. An incorrect seating posture can affect visual judgment and easily lead to deviation. Look as far ahead as possible. During straight-line driving, keep your gaze focused far ahead. Many learners only notice the car deviating when it has already started to drift. Therefore, when driving straight, extend your line of sight and make minor adjustments as soon as the vehicle begins to deviate.
When driving an automatic transmission car in a straight line, I prioritize sight management. Keep your eyes focused on the centerline of the road in the distance, rather than staring at the front of the car, to anticipate any directional deviations early. Lightly rest your hands on the steering wheel without gripping it tightly—just place them at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Sit upright with the seatback not too reclined, and maintain a steady speed with the accelerator pedal to avoid sudden speed changes. A common mistake beginners make is constantly making minor steering adjustments. In reality, slight road undulations are normal; avoid steering unless the car noticeably drifts out of the lane. Remember to check the mirrors to confirm lane position. With practice, muscle memory will develop, making driving much easier.
I'm used to using reference points to maintain straight driving. Taking the lane edge line as a reference point, I keep an eye on the relative position between the front of the car and the edge line with my peripheral vision. Steering adjustments should be minimal, as gentle as touching a keyboard. Don't constantly check the dashboard; maintaining a steady speed around 60 is most comfortable. With automatic transmission models, the absence of clutch operation makes even throttle control with the right foot crucial—press slightly deeper uphill and apply a bit of brake downhill. In rainy conditions, be wary of misleading reflections on the road, and adjust the high beams properly in poor lighting.
The key to driving straight is to relax your body. When I drive, I keep my shoulders down and arms naturally bent, holding the steering wheel lightly as if holding a teacup. Focus your gaze on a target point about 200 meters ahead, which helps naturally correct the direction. Avoid suddenly pressing the accelerator too hard in an automatic car to prevent jerking; maintaining a steady speed is more stable than using cruise control. Regularly check tire pressure, as unevenly worn tires can subtly pull the car off course. For older cars, pay attention to steering system play and perform timely maintenance to avoid unnecessary steering corrections.
