Will the steering wheel cause the car to drift when released?

[CharlesLee]

Normally it won't happen over short distances, but it's related to road conditions and tire pressure. Here are detailed explanations about car drifting: 1. Car drifting: When driving straight on flat roads, the car spontaneously veers to one side, causing the center line connecting the front and rear axles to be inconsistent with the center line of the driving trajectory. 2. Reasons for drifting: It could be vehicle issues, road conditions, or purely psychological factors. 3. Solutions: Need to check whether the tires on this side have problems or if the air pressure is too low. If not, then a four-wheel alignment is required.

[SanJace]

Having driven for nearly thirty years, I know that not all cars veer off when you let go of the steering wheel. On a flat highway, a new car or one that's just been serviced should typically go straight for a second or two—that's normal. But if it noticeably pulls to one side as soon as you release the wheel, it's definitely a warning sign. Common issues lie in the tire system, such as uneven tire pressure between the left and right sides, different wear patterns, or aging and deformation. Suspension problems, like leaking shock absorbers or loose ball joints, could also be the culprit. Misaligned wheels are another frequent cause, making the car swerve like a limping horse. From a driving perspective, ignoring this issue is extremely dangerous, especially on slippery roads where loss of control can lead to accidents. That's why I've made it a habit to check tire pressure and alignment every quarter—regular maintenance is far more reliable than emergency repairs.

[StTravis]

As someone who frequently works on cars, I can say from a technical standpoint that steering wheel drift when released is not inevitable, but it mostly occurs when there are issues with the vehicle. This usually stems from several factors: wheel imbalance causing uneven weight distribution, aging suspension components like control arms leading to body instability, or incorrect wheel alignment parameters such as camber angle. Tire issues also play a significant role, such as low tire pressure or excessive wear on one side. Testing is straightforward: find a flat, empty road, release the steering wheel, and observe the drifting tendency. Repairs require professional diagnostic equipment. For prevention, I recommend getting a wheel balance and alignment every time you change tires. Long-term neglect can damage the steering system, increase fuel consumption, and pose safety risks.

[DiDavid]

If the car pulls to one side when you let go of the steering wheel while driving, it's not a good sign and should be addressed immediately. This poses significant safety risks, such as sudden loss of control during turns or high-speed driving. The main causes are often minor issues, like uneven tire pressure or uneven wear between the left and right tires. In more serious cases, it could indicate a problem with the front suspension, such as a bent control arm. Some checks can be done yourself, like using a tire pressure gauge to measure each tire's pressure. As a daily driver, I always pull over to inspect if I notice any unusual behavior—don't delay, as small issues can escalate into major repairs. Regular maintenance can help avoid many risks.