Why is the steering wheel not straight after emergency braking?

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After emergency braking, the steering wheel may not be straight due to tire issues or braking illusions. Tire Issues: If there is a problem with the car tire, the steering wheel will naturally be affected. A common scenario is a flat tire, where the tire is punctured by sharp objects like metal or nails, leading to insufficient tire pressure in one tire and increased resistance while driving. This causes the steering wheel to feel misaligned during movement. The owner should promptly inspect the vehicle. Inspection and Solution: Check whether the tire pressure of each tire has decreased. If only one tire shows reduced pressure, inspect the tire tread for puncture marks. If the tire is indeed punctured, avoid immediately removing the nail, as this could cause complete loss of air pressure and render the vehicle undrivable. Drive to a repair shop to determine whether a puncture repair or full tire replacement is needed. Braking Illusion: Experienced drivers know that the braking system includes disc brakes and drum brakes, which convert foot pressure into hydraulic force. This can sometimes create the illusion of braking, making the car feel heavier and causing the steering wheel to pull to one side. Solution: Use a jack to lift the wheel with sluggish braking. Rotate the tire to check for excessive resistance. Loosen the wheel bolts to prepare for drum removal. Lightly tap the drum's circumference with a hammer—sometimes this can correct the issue. If unsuccessful, the problem may lie with internal piston fixation, requiring drum removal for repair. In such cases, it's best to consult a professional mechanic. Braking Precautions: Steering Wheel Pulls When Braking: If the steering wheel pulls to one side during braking, the brake calipers may be applying uneven force to the pads. This issue is hard to detect due to the high rotation speed of the brake discs. Brake Pedal Sinks: If the pedal height increases after repeated braking during driving, it likely indicates fluid leakage. Brake Vibration: Warped brake discs directly cause brake vibration. Solutions include resurfacing or replacing the discs, typically seen in older vehicles. Weak Braking: Weak braking often results from pressure loss in the hydraulic lines. Immediate workshop inspection is recommended to avoid serious consequences.