What Causes a Car's Steering Wheel to Pull to One Side?
2 Answers
Reasons for a car's steering wheel pulling to one side: uneven tire pressure and braking system malfunction. Uneven tire pressure: Measure the tire pressure to check if all four wheels have consistent pressure. If not, inflate the tire(s) with lower pressure to ensure all four wheels maintain the same pressure. After doing this, take the car for a test drive to see if the issue persists. If the problem is resolved, thoroughly inspect the tire(s) that had lower pressure, as they are likely damaged by foreign objects and require prompt repair or replacement. Braking system malfunction: Due to prolonged use, the braking system may experience wear and tear, potentially preventing it from fully retracting. This can cause resistance on one side of the wheel hub during driving, leading to steering deviation while the car is in motion.
I've been driving for over a decade and encountered many steering wheel misalignment issues. The most common cause is tire problems, such as uneven tire pressure between left and right tires, or uneven tire wear, which causes the vehicle to pull to one side. Secondly, improper wheel alignment, like incorrect toe angle, can easily lead to misalignment. Sometimes, problems with the suspension system, such as bent tie rods or damaged bushings, can also make the steering wheel unstable. Uneven road surfaces can have an impact too, but this is less common. When I notice misalignment, I first check the tire pressure. If that doesn't solve it, I go to a professional shop for a four-wheel alignment. After all, safety comes first, and it's not wise to delay repairs when driving long distances.
