Why does the car press the right edge line in an S-curve?
3 Answers
The reason for pressing the right edge line in an S-curve is: the steering wheel is not straightened, causing the car to keep turning, and the body leans too much to the right during the turn. Try to take a wider curve: Maintain first gear throughout the drive and avoid turning the steering wheel too sharply. After entering the curve, try to take a wider path and adjust the direction promptly based on the curve's characteristics and the rear wheel's radius. Stay close to the edge line: When driving into a right curve, keep the right wheel close to the right edge line, and vice versa. While in the curve, use the steering wheel to ensure the small rearview mirror on the inner side of the car's hood always aligns with the outer white line edge—neither crossing the line nor staying too far from it. Adjust the direction as needed.
I've seen many beginners ride the right line on S-curves, which is actually quite common, mainly due to understeer. This means not turning the wheel enough when entering the curve, causing the car to be pulled to the right by centrifugal force. Maybe you're going too fast and didn't slow down in time, or you're only focusing on the roadside instead of the apex of the curve. If I were driving this curve, I'd slow down in advance, look farther ahead, and choose an outside-in line to let the car glide smoothly through the turn without rushing to accelerate. With more practice, you'll naturally get familiar with it. Find an empty space and try S-curves several times—it really helps improve your feel. Also, pay attention to the width of your car and don't get too close to the roadside.
When I teach friends to drive, I often say that if the car tends to drift towards the right line in an S-curve, it's 80% a steering control issue. You might be turning the wheel a bit late, causing the trajectory to deviate outward and touch the line. Another factor could be an unresponsive steering system, such as excessive play in the steering wheel or gripping it too tightly when nervous, leading to insufficient turning. My advice is to ease off the throttle before entering the curve, focus your gaze on the center point of the road, and turn the steering wheel smoothly while maintaining a steady speed. Developing this habit not only helps avoid touching the line but also makes driving safer and smoother, even on long trips.
