What causes the car to pull to the right when the steering wheel is released?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why the car pulls to the right when the steering wheel is released: 1. Excessive wear on the right-side tires; 2. Damage to the ball joint or shock absorber; 3. Uneven tire pressure on both sides of the vehicle; 4. Deformation or poor performance of related components in the vehicle's suspension system; 5. Issues with the vehicle's four-wheel alignment. Additional information: Methods to address car pulling: 1. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands to control the vehicle as much as possible, and gently apply or tap the brakes without locking them; 2. Try to drive the car to the side of the road and control the speed; 3. Turn on the hazard lights or place a warning triangle; 4. Perform a four-wheel dynamic balance.
I've encountered this situation while driving too. When I let go of the steering wheel, the car automatically drifts to the right, which is really annoying. Common causes could be low tire pressure in the right front tire, uneven tire wear where the right side wears out faster than the left, causing the car's center of gravity to shift to the right. Or there might be an issue with the suspension system, such as aging shock absorbers, leading to incorrect wheel alignment. Another possibility is a stuck brake system where the right brake pads don't fully release, causing continuous dragging. If this happens frequently, it's best to get it checked at a repair shop as soon as possible, otherwise, it increases the risk of rollover on highways and also leads to higher fuel consumption. Last time, it was just a tire pressure issue for me, and simply adjusting the tire pressure solved the problem. You can usually check the tire pressure yourself with a tire pressure gauge; all tires should be kept at the same value, with not too much difference between front and rear tires. Regular wheel alignment can also help prevent this issue.