What to Do If You Can't Keep the Car Straight or Notice It Drifting?
3 Answers
Choose reference points; your eyes alone cannot be the sole judgment standard. The car's direction also requires selecting appropriate reference points, such as lane lines or roadside trees, and then aligning them with your peripheral vision. Below is an introduction to car drifting: Introduction: Car drifting refers to the phenomenon where a vehicle, while driving straight on a flat road, spontaneously veers to one side, causing the line connecting the front and rear axle centers to deviate from the centerline of the driving trajectory. Hazards: Minor drifting can lead to tire wear and premature tire failure, while severe cases may cause tire blowouts or loss of vehicle control. Symptoms: Typically, when a car drives 1000 meters on a flat, straight road, the deviation should be controlled within four to five meters. Exceeding this range indicates the car is experiencing drifting.
I used to have trouble keeping the steering wheel straight while driving, and the car would often drift to one side, which was quite annoying. This issue is usually caused by driving habits, such as sitting at an angle or holding the steering wheel too high, causing the car to naturally veer to one side. It's recommended to adjust the seat's distance and backrest angle so that your body is aligned with the steering wheel, with both hands comfortably positioned at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Keep your shoulders relaxed while driving, not tense. Practice driving straight on open roads, focusing on the distant horizon rather than the lane markers right in front of you, and you'll gradually improve. If a new car also behaves this way, it might be an issue with the steering wheel settings, requiring a mechanic to adjust the steering play. Once you develop good habits, driving becomes much easier—safety first, after all.
If your car always pulls to one side and you're not sure why, start by checking the vehicle. Low tire pressure or uneven pressure between the left and right tires can make the car unstable—use a tire pressure gauge to measure and maintain the manufacturer's recommended values. Incorrect front wheel alignment is another common cause; if the steering wheel isn't straight when parked but the car still drives straight, the alignment might be off. Check for wear in chassis components, such as loose steering ball joints. Pay attention to the road while driving, as potholes can easily cause the car to pull. I recommend getting a four-wheel alignment every six months—a small expense that can prevent bigger issues. Don’t forget to inspect the braking system, as a stuck brake caliper on one side can also pull the car. Regular maintenance will help a lot.
