Check Out: Why Is Your Car Pulling One Side?

Everybody wants a steady, uninterrupted ride on the road every day or on an extended family excursion. It feels frustrating when your vehicle starts to pull to one side or the other while driving. You consistently have to make steering corrections to keep the vehicle going straight.

The awful part is you have no idea why this is happening. You must understand why your vehicle pulls to the right or left unless you want to battle it through the driveway. In this article, we will examine several causes and will assist you in determining the source and figuring out the solution.

Most Common Causes of a Vehicle Pulling to One Side

Wheel Alignment

The most common reason a vehicle would pull to one side or the other is improper and may cause wheel alignment. When the wheels are misaligned, the entire suspension system throws off, which may cause the vehicle to veer in one direction.

Wheel alignment is what it sounds like – making sure all four of your vehicle's wheels are pointing in the same direction. Wheel and axle make a rectangle, two lines perpendicular to each other, forming a 90-degree angle. The vehicle will pull if all vehicle wheels are not pointing in the same direction.

A mechanic will align your wheels and axles to create this rectangle and adjust the suspension angles to affect the wheel position.

Also, the road's surface is constructed so that one end is more uneven than the other. When you drive on such roads, there will be a tendency for the wheels to pull towards the uneven side. Professionals will consider this when they are aligning your wheels.

Getting the wheel alignment checked regularly or every time you switch your tires for the driving season is appropriate.

The Tires’ Air Pressure Is Uneven

An uneven amount of pressure in all four tires can cause your car to veer to one side or the other. It would be the easiest to fix, as all you need to do is inflate your tires evenly. If the tire pressure is extreme or too low in just one tire, it will cause the vehicle to pull. This happens because the vehicle is unbalanced on that one tire as there is a change in height. It leads to an alignment shift and can also cause premature tire wear.

Check the approved tire pressure for your vehicle in the owner's manual. You can also find the correct tire pressure on a sticker located on the driver's door or in your glove box. If you notice lower pressure consistently in one tire, there might be a huge problem. Check for leaks or punctures and know when to change your tires.

Conicity in Your Tires

Conicity is a condition that occurs when the center of your tire is not perfectly straight. It becomes misaligned and causes the tire tread rubber to contact the ground at an angle in a cone shape rather than a proper cylinder shape. It causes your car to pull in one direction or the other. This type of conicity can be observed in new tires, and warranties cover it.

After driving several thousand kilometers, if you notice your car pulling to one side, it is likely due to uneven wear on your tires. This happens when you drive on rough winter roads or due to suspension issues. Bring your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop in High Point to diagnose the problem and fix it!

Steering or Suspension Worn Out Part

Your car is pulling, but the tires seem to be in good shape, and the pressure is even. In that case, your suspension and steering system may be the cause. Check if your vehicle has worn-out parts as it may strongly impact your car's driving. This is also called memory steer. It is an industry term for when a vehicle drives in the direction it was last steered.

For example, if you turn left down a street and immediately change your mind, your car will start to pull to the left. It is caused by tie rods, idler arms, ball joints, and other suspension parts that connect the steering knuckle to the vehicle. The suspension and steering system should be inspected by a professional at least once a year.

Your Brakes Are Wearing Unevenly

Does your car pull while you brake? It is caused by stuck calipers making a grinding noise when stopping. Calipers put pressure on the brake pads, and if one stuck part is not working, it causes the other side to work harder. It can cause premature brake wear and might damage your rotors.

In slippery winter conditions, brakes are essential. If you notice any changes in your brake pedal, have it checked out by a professional.

Have you heard of something called torque steer?

It is when your car pulls to one side while accelerating. It is common in front-wheel-drive cars and caused by the engine's torque pulling the vehicle in one particular direction. A transversely mounted engine most frequently causes this. The setup in front-wheel-drive cars causes engine power to be directed through a short driveshaft to the transaxle, which causes the car to pull to one side.

Unless you own a high-performance front-wheel-drive vehicle and operate in a professional capacity or are a passionate car enthusiast, this isn't something you should be concerned about with your vehicle.

Are you experiencing a pull in your tires? Put your safety first and get it checked by a professional from an auto repair shop in High Point, NC. Take note of any changes in your car and whether the pull is constant. Then, get it fixed as soon as possible as you want your car to be safe and reliable on the road.