What Causes a Vehicle to Pull to One Side?
1 Answers
The causes of a vehicle pulling to one side are typically attributed to four main reasons: uneven tire pressure between the left and right tires, inconsistent wear on the left and right tires, unequal spring travel in the shock absorbers, and brake system malfunctions. To diagnose a pulling issue, the first step is to inspect the front suspension, checking whether the ball joints and control arms are loose, and whether the tire treads are severely worn or unevenly worn. If the vehicle has been involved in an accident, it is necessary to measure the difference in wheelbase between the left and right sides, as a significant discrepancy can also cause the vehicle to pull. Vehicle pulling refers to the phenomenon where a car, while driving straight on a flat road, naturally drifts to one side, causing the alignment of the front and rear axle centers to deviate from the centerline of the driving trajectory. Minor pulling can lead to uneven tire wear and premature tire failure, while severe cases may result in dangerous situations such as tire blowouts or loss of vehicle control.