What Causes the Front Wheels of a Car to Pull to One Side?
2 Answers
The reasons for the front wheels of a car pulling to one side are as follows: Tire Tread Issues: The tread patterns on the two sides are different, or the tread depths are uneven. It is best to use the same type of tires for the entire vehicle. At the very least, the two tires on the front axle and the rear axle must be the same, and the tread depths must be equal. If they exceed the wear limit, they must be replaced. Front Shock Absorber Spring Deformation: If the front shock absorber springs are deformed, the cushioning on both sides will be inconsistent. The condition of the shock absorber springs can be judged by pressing down or comparing after removal. Front Shock Absorber Failure: If the front shock absorbers fail, the suspension on both sides will be uneven during driving, leading to uneven force distribution and causing the car to pull to one side. A dedicated shock absorber tester can be used to check the absorption rate of the shock absorbers, determine their condition, and facilitate timely repairs.
Last month while driving, I noticed the steering wheel kept pulling to the right, requiring extra effort to keep the car straight, which really stressed me out. The main issue might be with the tires: if the tire pressure differs between the two sides, say one side is 1-2 psi lower, the car naturally drifts to one side. Additionally, improper wheel alignment is common, especially after driving on rough roads or not adjusting after getting new tires—misaligned wheels can pull the steering. Worn suspension components, like leaking shock absorbers or loose control arms, can also affect balance. Don’t overlook one-sided brake drag either; if the car pulls more when braking, that’s a sign. I recommend getting it checked soon to avoid further tire wear, which is costly and unsafe. Developing a habit of checking tire pressure monthly can prevent issues.
