How to Determine if a Car is Pulling to One Side?
2 Answers
Car pulling to one side refers to when the vehicle deviates to the left or right while driving straight with the steering wheel held steady. Below are the reasons for a car pulling to one side: 1. Uneven tire pressure: If the car frequently pulls to one side recently, it's recommended to first check if the tire pressure of all four tires is correct. If the tire pressures are different, the car will behave as if the steering wheel is turned, resulting in a severe pulling phenomenon. 2. Different tire tread patterns: It's best to use the same type of tires for the entire vehicle. At the very least, the two tires on the front axle and the rear axle must be the same, and the tread depth must also be the same. Different friction levels can directly cause the car to pull to one side. 3. Suspension system failure: The probability of the suspension system causing the car to pull to one side is low, but it cannot be ruled out that there might be a design issue from the factory. For example, interference between the movement of the suspension guide rods and the steering system tie rods can affect the vehicle's tendency to pull to one side. The former is caused by manufacturing or adjustment errors, while the latter is due to design flaws, with the latter often causing the car to pull to the right.
When driving, if I notice that the steering wheel is centered and doesn't need adjustment, but the car slowly drifts to the left or right on its own, that's definitely a case of misalignment. Last month, I tested it on the highway—letting go of the wheel for just a second or two caused the car to veer left immediately, which scared me into grabbing the wheel again. This is usually caused by uneven tire pressure or uneven tire wear, or it could be an issue with the suspension system. If not fixed promptly, the tires will wear out prematurely, and it'll also waste fuel. I recommend checking the tire pressure first if you notice this issue, or taking the car to a professional shop for a wheel alignment. Don't delay, as it poses a significant risk on long trips.
