What are the causes of car pulling to one side while driving?
4 Answers
Car pulling to one side while driving can be caused by: 1. Poor brake return or incomplete separation of a certain wheel; 2. Unequal tire pressure on both sides; 3. Deformation of shock absorber springs, resulting in inconsistent cushioning on both sides; 4. Different tread patterns or uneven tread depth on both sides; 5. Excessive wear or abnormal gaps in vehicle chassis components; 6. Failure of front shock absorbers; 7. Overall deformation of the vehicle frame. Solutions: 1. The problem can be resolved by performing a four-wheel alignment; 2. If the issue exceeds the standard range, a correction platform must be used for adjustment. It is recommended to use the same type of tires for the entire vehicle, with both front and rear axle tires being identical and having the same tread depth.
I've been driving for many years and have seen plenty of alignment issues. Uneven tire pressure is the most common cause—for example, if the left front tire is underinflated compared to the right, the car will pull to the left. Inconsistent tire wear can also cause this, especially when the tread depth differs significantly between the front tires, leading to uneven grip and misalignment. Suspension system problems are particularly dangerous; for instance, leaking shock absorbers or cracked control arm bushings can misalign the wheel angles. The steering system also requires attention—issues like bent tie rods or loose ball joints can affect alignment. Brake system problems, such as one-sided brake drag, are even worse, causing the car to pull while also damaging the tires. Incorrect wheel alignment settings, like excessive toe or camber deviation, can make the steering wheel sit crooked while driving. Body damage from collisions may also lead to misalignment. I recommend regularly checking tire pressure and avoiding unevenly distributed cargo in the trunk. If you notice alignment issues, get them checked by a professional immediately—it's especially dangerous at high speeds.
My car, which I bought two years ago, suddenly started pulling to the right, and the steering wheel couldn't stay straight. At the shop, the mechanic first checked the tire pressure, and both sides were normal at 2.4 bar. Then, a four-wheel alignment was performed, which showed a deviation in the toe-in data. After adjustment, it improved slightly but wasn't completely fixed. Next, the mechanic removed the wheels to inspect the suspension and found that the right front shock absorber was leaking oil, and the lower control arm was also deformed. After replacing these parts, the issue was finally resolved. It turns out that pulling can be caused by several overlapping issues, and you can't just look at one area. A tread depth difference of more than 1.6 mm between the left and right tires can also cause pulling, and a stuck brake caliper is even more hidden, manifesting as increased pulling when braking. Now, I always check the suspension components during maintenance, pay attention to tire pressure balance, and conduct thorough inspections before long trips.
My car repair experience tells me that the cause of deviation needs systematic investigation. First, check the tire pressure—a difference of more than 0.2 bar between the left and right tires can easily cause deviation. Second, inspect the tires—uneven wear or inconsistent tread patterns affect grip. Third, examine the suspension—failed shock absorbers or deformed control arms can tilt the wheels. Fourth, check if the steering tie rod is deformed. Fifth, test the braking system for unilateral drag. Sixth, perform a four-wheel alignment—toe and camber deviations are the most common. If the car has been impacted, also inspect the frame. Pay attention to tire pressure balance in daily use and avoid unilateral heavy loads. Alignment data should be checked and adjusted annually or every 10,000 kilometers to ensure driving stability and safety.
