What to Do If You Can't Tell the Car is Crooked While Driving?
3 Answers
Keep your eyes level and look straight ahead; align your line of sight parallel to the lane edge lines to keep the car straight. If your line of sight intersects with the lane edge lines, adjust the car in the opposite direction. On roads with marked lines, you can use the rearview mirror to check if the car is driving in the center. At first, you might not get the hang of it, but with practice, it will become easier. When the line of sight aligns the protruding node of the left wiper with an object on the ground, the left wheel will run over that object while moving, which can also help determine the car's position. Check if the window lines are parallel; parallel lines indicate the car is straight, while non-parallel lines mean it's crooked. If there's a parked car nearby, observe whether the lower edges of the two car windows are parallel.
When you can't tell if the car is drifting while driving, a common solution I often use is to first develop a sense of the car through practice. Find an empty parking lot or a straight road, deliberately try to relax your grip on the steering wheel, and let the car coast naturally for a few seconds. Observe carefully whether the car tends to drift to one side. If you notice a clear deviation, strengthen your hand control feedback. Conversely, if you don't notice any drift at all, it might be due to an incorrect seat position or a habitual issue. Develop the habit of frequently checking the rearview mirror to compare the car's position with roadside markings or fixed objects. Regularly check if the tire pressure is even, as low pressure can cause the car to pull to one side. Don't overlook wheel alignment issues, especially in older cars, which are more prone to this problem. It's recommended to get a four-wheel alignment done at a repair shop once a year—costing just a few hundred dollars—to avoid major repair expenses. These small adjustments can help improve your awareness and reduce safety risks.
I usually drive quite carelessly, sometimes forgetting to watch the road while listening to music. When encountering this kind of problem where I can't tell if the car is tilted, my first instinct is to use a mobile app for assistance. Download a car navigation or lane-keeping app and set up warning sounds to alert you of any deviations. Test it on a straight road section; the app will display the car's trajectory, making it clear at a glance. At the same time, adjust your driving seat posture—sitting too far back or leaning can interfere with your sense of direction. It's best to check the rearview mirror when parking to see if the car body is parallel to the roadside. Pay attention to road signs or curbs in daily driving to train your perception. Tire pressure is crucial; unstable pressure can affect balance, so check it at least once a month and keep it within the manufacturer's recommended range. If all else fails, ask a friend to drive alongside and check your position—don't keep trying blindly on your own to avoid danger. Regular maintenance and checks on the positioning system are worth the small cost to ensure safety.
