What Causes the Vehicle to Pull to One Side While Driving?
2 Answers
Reasons for the vehicle pulling to one side while driving: 1. Uneven distribution of cargo. 2. Uneven tire pressure on both sides. The solution is to inflate both tires to the standard pressure and check if the wear on both wheels is uneven, leading to differences in wheel diameter and traction. 3. Uneven tread wear can cause pulling; inspect the springs and shock absorbers, especially on the lower side, for issues like insufficient spring elasticity causing excessive compression or shock absorber oil leakage. 4. Suspension damage, deformation, or misalignment can also lead to pulling. 5. The condition of the steering system affects the vehicle's straight-line driving. 6. Brake-related issues can also cause pulling.
I also encountered a steering pull issue last time I drove. The car immediately veered to the left when I took my hands off the wheel. This kind of problem can range from minor to serious, and I've experienced it several times myself. The most common cause is uneven tire pressure between the left and right tires, which can be detected with a tire pressure gauge. Last time, my front left tire was 0.5 psi lower than the front right. Wheel alignment is also crucial—even a 0.5-degree deviation in the toe angle can make the steering noticeably pull. The braking system should be checked too. A colleague's car had a pull issue because the left wheel brake caliper was stuck, causing uneven braking. Significant differences in tire wear can also be a hidden danger, so it's best to rotate the tires every 10,000 kilometers. Loose steering linkage ball joints are common in older vehicles and often come with a knocking sound when driving. All these issues need to be systematically checked to ensure driving safety.
