Does steering drift mean a wheel alignment is needed?
2 Answers
Steering drift does indicate the need for a wheel alignment. It is recommended to check whether the tie rods are damaged and to verify if the wheel alignment data is normal. If the data shows no abnormalities, the issue is mostly likely due to hardware problems. Wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusting them to ensure optimal driving performance and reliability. For passenger cars, the installation of the steering wheels, steering knuckles, and front axle has specific relative positions—this is referred to as front wheel alignment. Similarly, the rear wheels have specific relative positions with the rear axle, known as rear wheel alignment. Together, these are termed four-wheel alignment.
Steering pull indeed often requires a wheel alignment. Having driven for several years, I've encountered this issue multiple times where the steering wheel persistently pulls to one side. That time, I went straight to the repair shop, and the problem was immediately resolved after the alignment. They mentioned the cause could be misaligned front wheels or minor suspension system issues. I also recommend checking tire pressure first, as underinflation can cause the car to pull, but alignment is the fundamental solution. A session typically costs around 100-200 yuan, which isn't too expensive, and it prevents accelerated tire wear or loss of control at high speeds—safety is truly an area where you can't cut corners. If the pulling is severe, it's best not to delay and find a reliable shop for prompt service. Regular maintenance to check for aging suspension components can help reduce such issues.
