What Point Should the Steering Wheel Align With for the Car to Stay Centered?
2 Answers
To keep the car centered, the steering wheel should align with the driver's straight-ahead line of sight. If aligned with the central arrow on the road, the direction will generally deviate to the right. The Three-Point Alignment Rule: First, sit upright with both hands holding the sides of the steering wheel. The front of your head should face directly forward, which is the true center of the steering wheel. Then, focus your gaze on the centerline of the distant lane ahead to achieve perfect alignment between driver and vehicle. Method for Straightening the Car Body: Follow the principle of "turn as much as you steer back, steer quickly to correct quickly, steer slowly to correct slowly" to straighten the car body. For example, if the car leans to the right, turn the wheel 90 degrees to the left. When you feel the car is about to align parallel with the current lane, turn the wheel back 90 degrees to the right. The speed of steering follows the same logic.
I've been driving for several years and often encounter this issue. Actually, the center point of the steering wheel is just a reference, not a fixed point you must stare at. I usually align the steering wheel with the center of the dashboard or a certain point at the lower edge of the windshield when the wheels are straight. However, due to road bumps or wind resistance, the car tends to drift. When driving normally, I focus on the centerline of the road far ahead while glancing at the rearview mirror to ensure the car stays centered, gently holding the steering wheel to let it self-correct. If it drifts slightly, I make minor adjustments to bring it back—no need for sharp turns. Experience tells me that every car is slightly different, and it takes some time to adapt to a new one. The key is to practice more on open roads. Remember, when the steering wheel is centered, the car should be in the middle of the lane. If it frequently drifts, get a wheel alignment check immediately to avoid safety issues. Veteran drivers say relying on feel is the most effortless way—less dependence on specific reference points.