What Are the Reasons for a Car Always Pulling to One Side?
2 Answers
The reasons for a car always pulling to one side are as follows: 1. Uneven Tire Pressure: Mainly caused by inconsistent tire pressure in the drive tires. If the left and right tire pressures are unequal, it will result in different levels of wear between the drive wheels and the ground, and the varying friction will directly cause the car to pull to one side. The solution is to check the tire pressure at an auto maintenance and repair shop. 2. Suspension System Malfunction: Suspension system issues can also cause the car to pull to one side, such as damage, deformation, or misalignment of the suspension. These problems are more serious, and once detected, it is advisable to have them inspected and repaired. 3. Inconsistent Wheelbase on Both Sides: After prolonged use, a car is bound to encounter bumps and collisions. If the overall vehicle structure is deformed, with a significant difference in the wheelbase between the two sides, and it is not promptly corrected or the correction does not meet technical requirements, the car will tend to pull toward the side with the shorter wheelbase while driving.
I've found that car pulling to one side is often caused by tire issues. Uneven tire pressure is the most common culprit; if the left side is a few PSI higher or lower than the right, the car will pull in that direction. Uneven tire wear is another major problem—for example, when front tires wear differently, it affects traction. Wheel imbalance occurs when wheel weights fall off or corrode, causing steering wheel vibration. Don't overlook aging suspension components either—loose ball joints or leaking shock absorbers can compromise stability. Having repaired many vehicles, I recommend first using a tire pressure gauge to ensure equal pressure on both sides, and visually checking that tread depths aren't too different. If that doesn't work, take it to a professional for a four-wheel alignment—don't attempt it yourself to avoid damaging the car.
