Why does my car pull to one side? Most car tires need to be inflated between 30 and 35 psi, but this figure differs depending on the type of vehicle you drive. The recommended psi for your vehicle is found in the owner’s manual or on the label placed on the driver’s side door jamb.
If you are driving with one of the tires at a lower pressure than the others, you might start to feel a pulling sensation. Underinflated tires harm wheel alignment, causing an uneven feeling that creates a pull on the steering.
However, this is one of the easiest problems to solve. Stop and check the tire pressure. Fill the low tire and the ride should straighten out on its own.
2. Poor Wheel Alignment
With good wheel alignment, all tires will be tilted in a way that allows the vehicle to roll straight on the road. If the car pulls in one direction, it could indicate that the alignment is off.
This happens over time and suddenly, if you recently hit a curb or a pothole too hard. It can also occur if the suspension is worn out. Fortunately, this is another simple solution, as wheel alignment typically takes less than an hour at a local mechanic.
3. Bad Wheel Bearing
Wheel bearings undergo a lot of stress and can fail periodically. If a wheel bearing fails, you might notice some pulling to one side or loose steering.
This can also cause a noticeable warning sound, such as a squeal or grinding, especially when you turn to the affected side. You don’t want to keep driving with bad wheel bearings, as it leads to uneven tire wear.
4. Dragging Brakes
Brake calipers operate using hydraulic fluid that provides the necessary pressure to push the brake pads against the rotor. Each wheel equipped with disc brakes has a caliper, so if one of them sticks, the car may pull as if it’s being pulled to one side.
Driving with stuck brake calipers can lead to excessive pad wear. Furthermore, if the pads wear down, it can start to damage the rotors. Instead of dealing with all these issues at once, it’s better to repair the caliper immediately.
5. Worn Suspension Parts
The suspension is a necessary system for maintaining a smooth and steady ride, even on rougher terrain. Yet, when a suspension part starts to fail, it can lead to a bumpier ride and cause the car to pull to one side.
For example, if a lower control arm bushing fails, the arm can move during driving, causing a pulling sensation. However, any worn suspension component could be the culprit, so a full inspection is necessary.
6. Uneven Tire Wear or Bad Tires
If there have been alignment issues or faulty suspension parts, the tires may have worn unevenly. This can also happen if the tire pressure is not correct. Regardless, once a tire wears unevenly, it’s hard to achieve a smooth ride. You need to rotate the tires and hope the wear balances out over time.
It’s also possible that the tires are bad. If there are defects in a tire, it can cause a pulling sensation. Defective tires must be replaced immediately before a blowout occurs.
Additionally, pulling can occur if your tires don’t match. For example, if you replace two tires but two are still worn on the vehicle. These older tires can cause traction problems due to their variable wear.
Reasons Why the Car Pulls to One Side When Braking
If the car pulls to one side only when braking, several causes are possible. Your car may have a damaged or stuck brake pad. It could also be a faulty brake caliper or a worn brake rotor.
1. Damaged or Stuck Brake Pad
Brake pads are meant to be applied only when you press the brake pedal. Once you release the pedal, the brakes should release and allow you to continue driving normally. However, if you find that the brake pads are sticking, even after releasing the pedal, you might have a problem.
It’s possible there is an issue with the master cylinder or the brake lines, designed to supply hydraulic fluid to the brake pads. Whatever the cause, you want to fix it before the pads wear out and damage the rotor.
2. Bad Brake Caliper
One of the most common reasons brake pads stick is a bad caliper. The caliper holds the brake pads, and the pistons are responsible for pushing the pads against the rotor to stop the wheels from turning.
However, when the caliper pistons seize, the brake pad cannot release as it should. This causes pulling to the side and can also cause strange brake noises.
There are several reasons why a brake caliper seizes. It could be due to a collapsed brake hose, corrosion, or general wear. In some cases, you can repair the brake caliper pistons, while in others, they need to be replaced. If you choose to replace the brake caliper, do so with the one on the other side as well to ensure even braking capability.
3. Worn Brake Rotor
Brake rotors are smooth metal discs that the brake pads push against to stop the wheels from turning. Sometimes, the brake rotor can have a rough surface due to damage or wear. This uneven surface creates a pulling sensation when braking.
This can also lead to a grinding noise. In some cases, you might be able to have the brake rotors resurfaced, or they may need to be replaced.
Reasons Why a Car Pulls During Acceleration
When the vehicle pulls to one side during acceleration, the most common cause is a problem with the tires. The tread could be worn, the inflation could be incorrect, or your tire could be defective. If the belts break inside the tire, it can also lead to strange driving that involves pulling to the side.
Additionally, there could be a failure of a suspension component causing pulling. If a part of the suspension is loose or damaged, you might feel more pulling than usual. Whatever the cause, you want the vehicle to be examined by a qualified mechanic to ensure there is no additional wear.
Reasons Why a Car Pulls After a Wheel Alignment
During a wheel alignment, all tires are pointed in the same direction to ensure the vehicle rolls straight on the road. If the car continues to pull to one side after the wheel alignment, there is another problem.
Most often, the suspension or steering has a worn component. No matter how good the alignment is, the car can still pull with this issue. Additionally, you might have a leak in one of the tires, leading to low pressure.
Why Does My Car Feel Like It’s Wobbling Left and Right?
If the steering seems to wobble while you are driving, there might be a broken component. It is also possible that a suspension part is failing, causing pulling and uneven tire wear. To avoid further problems, you should have the steering and suspension inspected by a professional.
How Much Does It Cost to Realign Your Steering Wheel?
The steering wheel is realigned during your typical wheel alignment. On average, a wheel alignment can cost between $50 and $200, depending on the type of vehicle you drive, where you take your vehicle for maintenance, and how many wheels need aligning. Most cars need a wheel alignment once a year.
Can You Drive with a Misaligned Steering Wheel?
You could drive with a misaligned steering wheel, but it is not recommended. Poor wheel alignment causes the steering wheel to be off-center. Continuing to drive this way can be dangerous and lead to irregular tire tread wear, pulling to one side, and vibrations felt through the steering wheel.
What is the Most Likely Cause for a Vehicle to Pull to the Right When Driving and to the Left When Braking?
There are several reasons why a car might pull to one side or the other. The tire tread may wear unevenly, a tire may have low pressure, or a faulty suspension part. It is also possible that the brake caliper is sticking, causing pulling and strange noises while driving.
Can Defective Tires Make Your Car Pull?
Yes, when tires wear unevenly, the vehicle will pull to one side. This happens more frequently if newer and older tires are mixed on the vehicle. The older tire with the worn tread will cause more pulling because it is unevenly suited. Pulling can also occur if the air pressure is low in one tire.
When the car pulls to one side, you will first be alarmed as you try to keep the vehicle under control. However, there is no need to panic, especially if you plan to address the issue immediately. Many times, the car pulls due to a tire or alignment problem. Both of these conditions are simple to fix.
However, it is also possible that there is a problem with the steering or suspension. The braking system could also be the culprit. Diagnosing these issues can be more difficult and require the help of a professional. The sooner you address the underlying condition, the better your chances of avoiding additional vehicle wear. If you want to keep the repair bill as low as possible, you will act quickly.