Is It Normal for a New Car's Steering Wheel to Slightly Lean to the Right?
2 Answers
A slight rightward lean in the steering wheel of a new car is normal. Minor rightward deviation in the steering wheel is not a cause for concern, as it can be attributed to road design factors and the fact that car steering wheels are designed with approximately 5% of free play. Therefore, deviations within this range are considered normal. However, if the steering wheel leans significantly to the right, it is important to address the issue promptly. Reasons for a severe rightward lean in the car's steering wheel: Insufficient or uneven tire pressure, leading to the steering wheel leaning right; uneven wear on the vehicle's tires, causing differences in wheel diameter and traction, resulting in a rightward lean; suspension damage, deformation, or misalignment can also cause the steering wheel to lean right. Solutions for a severe rightward lean in the car's steering wheel: A right-leaning steering wheel can cause the car to pull to one side, and wheel alignment is the most effective method to address this issue. Based on computer data, the horizontal conditions of the four tires are analyzed, and adjustments are made to parameters such as caster, camber, front toe, rear toe, etc. If wheel alignment and balancing do not resolve the pulling issue, it is necessary to inspect the vehicle's suspension system for any problems, such as damage, deformation, or misalignment in the suspension components.
I encountered a slight rightward pull in the steering wheel right after buying my new car. At first, I thought this shouldn't happen with a brand-new vehicle, but the mechanic told me it's actually quite common. He explained that wheel alignment might not have been perfectly adjusted during factory setup, or uneven tire pressure between the left and right sides could be the cause.
If the pull is very slight—say, the car only gradually drifts after driving hundreds of meters on a straight road—it might improve with break-in or could be ignored. However, if you constantly need to steer left to keep the car straight, that's problematic.
I tried this test method: On a safe stretch of road, release the steering wheel and observe how far the car drifts. If the deviation exceeds 3 centimeters, you should visit the dealership for inspection. They typically perform a free four-wheel alignment under warranty—don't delay, as this could lead to rapid tire wear and safety hazards.
Remember, address minor issues in new cars promptly to prevent small problems from escalating.
