When a tank is driving in circles, it often means that the tank is damaged or malfunctioning, particularly with its steering or tracks. One common cause is the loss or damage of one of the tank's tracks, which makes it impossible to drive straight. The remaining functional track continues to move, causing the tank to spin in circles. This can also happen if the driver is incapacitated or the crew is dead, but the engine and controls are still engaged, leading to the tank uncontrollably circling without direction. Sometimes, one side of the tank might slow down due to softer terrain or mechanical issues, causing it to turn inward and circle. In wartime footage, tanks seen driving in circles often have damaged tracks or dead crews inside with the engine running, resulting in continuous circles until the tank stops or is disabled.