What are the reasons for a car pulling to one side while driving?
2 Answers
Reasons for a vehicle pulling to one side while driving: Unequal tire pressure on both sides, incomplete separation of the front brakes, failure of the front springs, different positions of the front wheels on both sides, overly tight front wheel bearings, deformation of the body bottom or frame, shock absorber failure, etc. Solutions: Adjust tire pressure, repair the front brakes, replace the front springs, adjust the alignment of the front wheels on both sides to ensure data consistency, adjust the front wheel bearings, correct or replace the body or frame, replace the shock absorbers, etc. Hazards of a car pulling to one side include: Safety: During driving, it is easy to misinterpret steering and directional corrections. Excessive frequent steering can shorten the driver's fatigue driving time, posing significant safety hazards. Economy: Pulling to one side can cause additional losses to the steering system to some extent, accelerating the aging of steering system components, tires, etc., shortening maintenance cycles, and severely affecting the balance of the vehicle while driving. Minor pulling can cause tire wear and tire scrapping, while severe cases can lead to dangerous situations such as tire blowouts and loss of vehicle control.
As a veteran mechanic with ten years of experience running an auto repair shop, I often encounter issues with car alignment. The most common cause is uneven tire pressure between the left and right sides—even a difference of 0.2 kg can make the wheels veer off course. Additionally, uneven tire wear significantly affects steering. For example, if the right front tire is completely worn out while the left front tire is still relatively new, the car will pull to the right. Suspension system problems are even more troublesome—leaking shock absorbers or cracked control arm bushings can cause the entire chassis and wheels to tilt when going over bumps. If you notice your car pulling to one side, don’t ignore it. First, check the tire pressure yourself to rule out simple issues. If the problem persists, take your car to a professional shop for a four-wheel alignment immediately—safety comes first!
