Why Does the Car Pull to One Side While Driving?

[VanSophie]

Driving direction deviation is caused by: 1. Excessive wear on one side of the tires; 2. Damage to the ball joint shock absorber; 3. Inconsistent tire pressure on both sides of the vehicle; 4. Deformation or poor performance of related components in the vehicle's suspension system. The effects of driving direction deviation include: at best, causing tire wear and rendering tires unusable, and at worst, leading to tire blowouts and dangerous situations of vehicle loss of control. Driving direction deviation refers to the phenomenon where the car, while moving straight on a flat road, naturally veers to one side, resulting in the centerline of the front and rear axles not aligning with the centerline of the driving trajectory.

[SanDaniela]

A few days ago, I encountered an issue where the steering wheel kept pulling to the right. Later, the mechanic helped me identify the cause: uneven tire pressure is the most common reason for pulling, as my left front tire was underinflated, causing uneven friction on both sides. Incorrect wheel alignment can also lead to this—like when I replaced the shocks but didn’t get an alignment, causing the car to drift. Loose ball joints in the suspension system or deformed lower control arms are another hidden danger, making the front end feel floaty during turns. Tire issues are often overlooked, such as tread depth differences exceeding 2mm or mismatched tire brands on the left and right wheels. I remember one time when braking downhill, the right wheel overheated due to brake drag, causing a persistent pull—such braking system faults can be quite dangerous. Before every long trip, I make it a habit to check the tire pressure on all four wheels, as prevention is key.

[EllieAnn]

Steering wheel misalignment is not only dangerous but also mentally exhausting. I once had to constantly fight with the steering wheel during a highway drive. The main culprit is improper wheel alignment, which worsens after bumpy roads. From my experience, tire-related issues account for 70% of the problem—besides incorrect tire pressure, bulges or uneven wear are even more hazardous. The suspension system is also noteworthy; last time, a leaking shock absorber caused the car to tilt while driving. Don’t overlook the braking system either—a stuck caliper acts like permanently braking on one side. If misalignment occurs right after replacing chassis components, it’s likely due to improper installation. Regular tire rotation significantly prevents uneven wear, and a monthly tire pressure check takes just minutes.

[DeLyla]

Constantly needing to adjust the steering while driving may be a sign of alignment issues. I've encountered these typical situations: the car pulling to one side after hitting bumps indicates worn shock absorbers; needing continuous steering correction during straight-line driving usually points to incorrect wheel alignment; uneven braking force on both sides can cause the car to pull during braking. Simple self-check methods include inspecting tires for bulges or uneven wear, and feeling the wheel hub temperature to check for brake drag. Keeping a tire pressure gauge in the car is practical, as even a 0.2Bar difference in tire pressure can cause pulling.