
Uneven tread patterns or differing tread depths on the two sides; unequal tire pressure on both sides; deformation of the front shock absorber springs leading to inconsistent cushioning on both sides—all these can cause a car to pull to one side. More detailed information is as follows: 1. When driving with the steering wheel held steady, the car should generally move in a straight line under normal conditions (note that road conditions must be considered—ensure the road surface is level, as rural roads and typical urban roads are often uneven, which can affect the car's trajectory). If the car deviates to the left or right, this is referred to as a pulling phenomenon. Typically, a car driving 1000 meters on a flat, straight road should have a deviation within four to five meters. Exceeding this range indicates a pulling issue. It is crucial to visit a repair shop for a comprehensive inspection immediately to prevent various dangerous situations caused by pulling, as the consequences cannot be ignored. 2. The hazards of car pulling: Minor pulling can lead to uneven tire wear or tire failure, while severe cases may cause tire blowouts or loss of vehicle control. Although pulling does not immediately disable the car, long-term pulling can create multiple safety hazards. Directional pulling while driving is relatively common, and if not addressed promptly, it can be dangerous. Generally, a four-wheel alignment can resolve the issue.

I've been fixing cars for over a decade, and misalignment is most commonly caused by tire issues. When there's a significant difference in tire pressure between left and right tires, you'll feel the car pulling toward the side with lower pressure when steering. Uneven tread depth on both sides can also cause imbalance in grip and lead to pulling. Incorrect wheel alignment is even more troublesome – when parameters like toe angle and camber angle are off, it feels like the steering wheel is fighting against you. Also watch for aging suspension components, such as cracked lower arm bushings or deformed tie rods – if you hear clunking noises from the chassis when turning, pay special attention. Don't force the car to keep driving under these conditions; get an alignment check immediately, otherwise you'll end up with badly worn tires and regret it.

Last time my best friend's brand-new car started pulling to the right after just 3,000 kilometers, which made her so angry that she drove straight back to the 4S dealership. The diagnosis revealed a brake system issue: the right front wheel caliper piston was stuck, causing the brake pad to constantly rub against the wheel—equivalent to driving with one side of the brakes partially engaged! The tire temperature was over ten degrees higher than the other wheels. The mechanic warned that prolonged driving in this condition would not only make steering heavier but could also warp the brake disc. Additionally, problems in the powertrain system like steering gear oil leaks or worn-out drive shafts can also cause pulling, especially noticeable during acceleration. These mechanical failures require professional equipment for diagnosis—never attempt DIY adjustments.

Don't panic if your car pulls to one side during long-distance driving—it might be due to external factors. For example, heavy items stacked on the right side of the trunk or a burly passenger sitting in the front passenger seat can cause the right side of the car to sag, naturally pulling it to the right. Some national roads are intentionally built with a higher center and lower sides, causing all vehicles to drift slightly to the right. However, if you're on a flat road and the car veers out of the lane within three seconds when you take your hands off the steering wheel, there's definitely a problem. The most bizarre case I encountered two years ago involved a driver who replaced all four tires—only to discover that one had an internal ply layer fracture. The car would drift at speeds above 60 mph, and upon disassembling the tire, a bulge was found inside!


