What to Do When You Can't Detect Vehicle Drifting in Straight-Line Driving?
2 Answers
If you can't detect vehicle drifting during straight-line driving, you can adopt the following three methods: 1. Make minor adjustments: Especially when driving straight, if you feel the car drifting slightly, make subtle corrections with the steering wheel. 2. Observe the rearview mirrors: Learn to use the left and right rearview mirrors to assess road conditions, which allows you to quickly detect any drifting. 3. Stay relaxed and find a reference point: It's always emphasized that you should remain relaxed while driving, avoiding excessive grip on the steering wheel. During the drive, identify a straight reference point, look far ahead, and this will help you notice any drifting early.
I noticed that when driving straight, it's hard to tell if the car is pulling to one side, possibly due to slight road inclines or habituation. First, find a flat and safe road, such as an empty parking lot or a straight section of a highway, and try releasing the steering wheel for a few seconds to observe if the car naturally drifts to one side—this is the most direct test method. Also, check the tire conditions to see if the tread wear on both sides is even; if there's a noticeable difference, it might involve alignment issues. Measure the tire pressure to ensure all four tires are consistent, as a pressure difference exceeding 10 psi can easily cause pulling. If still unsure, you can have a friend observe the driving trajectory from the side to help diagnose the issue. Lastly, if you consistently feel instability, don't delay—get a professional four-wheel alignment and suspension system check to prevent more serious safety hazards. Regular tire maintenance can significantly reduce this risk.