Is It Normal for the Car to Pull to One Side When Not Holding the Steering Wheel?
4 Answers
It is not normal for the car to pull to one side when not holding the steering wheel. The reasons for the car pulling to one side when the steering wheel is not moved include unbalanced tire pressure, unbalanced wheel alignment, and unbalanced braking system. Unbalanced tire pressure: Uneven tire pressure on both sides of the vehicle can directly cause the car to pull to one side. When the tire pressure is uneven, the contact area with the ground differs. On normal road surfaces, tires with lower pressure have greater friction, causing the car to pull toward the side with underinflated tires. If you notice the car pulling to one side, it is recommended to visit a repair shop to check whether the tire pressure on both sides is normal. Changes in wheel alignment data can alter the mechanical angles between the wheels and the chassis, especially for vehicles frequently driven on bumpy roads or over curbs. The wheel alignment parameters are more prone to change in such cases, making the car particularly susceptible to pulling to one side. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly visit an auto repair shop for wheel alignment, especially for vehicles frequently driven on uneven roads. Braking system issues: If you notice the car pulling to one side during braking, it is important to inspect the system promptly. The issue could be with the front wheel brake calipers, preventing the brake pads from returning to their normal positions. This is equivalent to one front wheel being in a slight braking state continuously, causing the car to pull to one side. Pay attention to whether the wear on the brake calipers and the brake pads on both sides is even, and visit a repair shop for inspection as soon as possible.
Last time a Buick came to my shop, the owner also complained that the car would pull to the right as soon as he let go of the steering wheel. This kind of misalignment is definitely abnormal—it's most likely a wheel alignment issue. When I checked with the laser alignment tool, sure enough, the left front wheel's camber was off by almost two degrees. The tire wear was also particularly noticeable, with the right side worn into a jagged pattern. Cars with worn-out chassis bushings are especially prone to this problem, particularly those frequently driven on rough roads—just a few bumps can throw off the suspension parameters. I recommend getting it fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, not only will the tires wear unevenly, but the grip during cornering will also be asymmetrical, making it easier to skid in rainy conditions.
Our Corolla has been doing the same thing lately, the steering wheel slowly drifts to the left when I let go. I specifically checked the tire pressure, both sides were at 2.3, and the wear on all four tires was about the same. During last week's maintenance, the mechanic said there was some play in the tie rod, and replacing it would fix the issue. On the highway, the car feels noticeably more stable now, unlike before when I constantly had to fight with the steering wheel. Actually, excessive steering play can cause tires to wear out prematurely. My neighbor had to replace two tires in six months because of this.
If the vehicle pulls to one side when the steering wheel is straight, there must be a problem. There are three common situations: significant wear difference between left and right tires can pull the direction; a stuck brake caliper can cause one-sided dragging, like Old Zhang's Haval H6 with 100,000 kilometers on it, where the right rear brake pad was worn with deep grooves; suspension deformation is even more dangerous. Last year, a Sagitar that was rear-ended looked like only the bumper was damaged, but the lower control arm was deformed, causing the car to drift at 80 km/h. It's recommended to try swapping the front and rear tires first. If it still pulls, a comprehensive inspection is necessary.
