Why does the Corolla feel unstable and swaying at 120 km/h on the highway?
2 Answers
The reasons why the Corolla feels unstable and swaying at 120 km/h on the highway are as follows: 1. The car's shaking and floating sensation is a feedback of its high-speed stability. 2. It is mainly related to factors such as the chassis, suspension, tires, weight, and wind resistance. 3. The higher the car's chassis, the higher its center of gravity, leading to poorer stability at high speeds on the highway. 4. Tire grip is also a contributing factor; wider tires have a larger contact area with the ground, providing stronger grip. To summarize, the main reasons can be categorized into four points: 1. Wheel balance issues. 2. Four-wheel alignment problems. 3. Environmental influences. 4. Uneven tire pressure.
Once when I was driving my Corolla on the highway, as soon as I accelerated to 120 km/h, the car body started swaying left and right, like being on a boat, which was really nerve-wracking. Later, I asked a friend to help check it out, and found that the main issue was with the tires: uneven tire pressure, with the left rear tire underinflated; uneven tire wear or improper wheel balancing could also cause this. Additionally, the suspension system had aged and loosened, such as failed shock absorbers or worn wheel bearings, causing wheel instability and shaking at high speeds. Weather factors can't be ignored either, as strong crosswinds can exacerbate this problem. It's recommended to first pull over and check the tire pressure and tire condition. If no obvious abnormalities are found, go to a professional shop for a four-wheel alignment and wheel balancing test to ensure safety before hitting the road again. I've now developed a habit of checking tire pressure every three months to avoid danger at high speeds.
