Is your car pulling to the side? Anything from tyre issues to suspension problems could be to blame.
Most likely, an issue with wheel alignment is causing the problem.
Read on and find out what could be causing your car to pull to the side and how to stop this from happening in the first place.
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What Causes a Car to Pull to One Side?
Your car could be pulling to the left or right for any of the following reasons:
- Incorrect wheel alignment
- Uneven tyre pressure
- Unbalanced wheels
- Braking system problem
- Worn out tyres
- Tyre separation
- New tyres
- Wheel bearing problem
- Dented wheel rims
- Worn out steering or suspension parts
Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues in more detail...
Incorrect Wheel Alignment
Even a slight misalignment of your wheels can have a big impact on handling, tyre wear and fuel consumption.
Something as simple as hitting the kerb or driving over a pothole can knock your wheels out of alignment.
Your wheels may be out of alignment if you’ve noticed any vibrations through the steering wheel, or changes in your tyres such as uneven wear or squealing sounds.
It is recommended that you have your wheels aligned whenever you change your tyres.
If having your wheels aligned doesn’t solve the problem, then the issue could be one of these instead:
- Incorrect tyre pressure
- Uneven tyre wear
- Worn out steering or suspension parts
Uneven Tyre Pressure
Correct tyre pressure is essential if you hope to keep your car driving straight.
Try putting air into the tyre or letting some out until you reach the recommended tyre pressure for your car.
Unbalanced Wheels
If your wheels aren’t properly balanced, this can cause your steering wheel to vibrate and your car to pull to the side.
When too much weight is on one side of the wheel, this can cause the car to pull in that direction.
Braking System Problem
There could be a braking system problem if you’ve checked that your tyre pressure is correct and the tread is wearing evenly.
The brake issue causing your car to pull to the side could be:
- Brake disc, pad or caliper wear
- Seized brakes
- An ABS system fault
How to Prevent Your Car from Pulling to the Side
To try and reduce the likelihood of your car pulling to the side, there are a few things you can do:
- Invest in regular tyre maintenance
- Book a car service
- Drive gently
- Especially in bad weather
By taking care whilst driving and keeping on top of maintenance, you can keep your car running smoothly for longer and detect potential issues early on.
Why Is My Car Pulling to the Side When Braking?
A car that pulls to the side when braking may be suffering from a braking system problem.
Your car could have a stuck brake caliper or a wheel cylinder issue which needs fixing.
For your safety, you should have the vehicle checked by a professional mechanic right away.
What to Do When Your Car Pulls to the Side
If you’ve noticed your car pulling to the side, you should have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
To help your mechanic find the source of the problem, make a note of the direction your car pulls and when you notice this pulling:
- Does your car pull to only one side?
- Only when you brake?
- Only when you accelerate?
- After new tyres were fitted?
- Does the steering wheel shake?
Have a think about when exactly the pulling takes place so that your mechanic can more quickly diagnose the issue.
