What does it feel like when your car pulls to the right or left while driving? Disappointing, right? This can be dangerous because moving the car to the side can lead to loss of control on difficult roads. It’s hard to concentrate on driving when you’re in a tug-of-war to keep the car in a straight line.

Putting constant pressure on the steering wheel is tiring. Plus, it’s not fun to drive. Various vehicle components, including the tires, take the hit when the steering wheel is pulled to the right while driving. Quite a lot of reasons can cause this problem. Let’s find these reasons why the car pulls to the side when driving:

Uneven tire pressure

The first thing you should check when your car pulls to the right is your tire pressure. For example, the height of the vehicle will not be proportional; if on one side the car has insufficiently inflated tires, a roll will be observed. Low tire pressure increases driving resistance, which leads to misalignment problems and premature tire wear. The resulting overvoltage causes the car to pull to the side.

How to fix it? Measure the pressure using a tire pressure gauge and inflate all tires to the correct PSI. It is important that the pressure in all tires is the same. For most passenger cars, the pressure should be in the range from 1.9 to 2.3 atmospheres.

Incorrectly performed wheel alignment

Poor wheel alignment can cause the vehicle’s steering wheel to deviate from straight movement. This is especially true for the rear axle, when one wheel has a negative camber angle and the other a positive one. Wheel alignment must be carried out simultaneously when working with wheels and suspension. Then the handling of your car will always be at the proper level and the tires will not wear out ahead of time.
Uneven tire tread wear is another indication of this problem. If you delay in solving a problem, it can lead to more serious problems.

How to fix it? Perform high-quality, professional wheel alignment using modern equipment.

Brake system malfunction

Complications in the brake system, including a stuck brake caliper, dry sliding pins, and a broken brake hose, can create problems with your vehicle pulling to one side. A stuck caliper is the most common of all issues. The calipers apply pressure to the brake pads, drawing energy from the hydraulic brake system. They are crucial in stopping the car after pressing the brake pedal. The car will pull to one side if one of them is not functioning properly.

How to fix it? A responsive braking system is critical to driving safety. You need to urgently contact a professional mechanic at your nearest car service center.

Engine torque

The car pulls to the side when engine torque affects the steering. A front wheel drive (FWD) vehicle pulls to the right when accelerating when the steering wheel is turned. There can be several causes: a loose steering element, a faulty lower control arm bushing, a damaged engine mount, a flexible tie rod, or excessive movement in the ball joint.

How to fix it? Since several components may be to blame for this problem, it is better to take the car to a workshop. You may need to install a limited slip differential (LSD), guides, intermediate drive shaft, or repair other components.

Worn tie rod or tie rod ends

A loose, worn, or weak tie rod end is another reason why your vehicle pulls to the side. As the condition worsens, severe wheel shaking will be common. Newer cars use a rack and pinion steering system instead of a steering box.

How to fix it? The steering linkage can be damaged for a number of reasons. Taking your vehicle to an inspection station is the best way to diagnose the root cause and make repairs.

Wheel bearing wear

Bearings are critical to the smooth rotation of a wheel. When one of them wears out, a characteristic knocking or grinding noise appears in the area where the bearing has worn out. The smooth ride will be disrupted and the car will begin to pull to the side.

How to fix it? Repairing a wheel bearing is a complex process. You should seek professional help from a car repair shop to solve this problem.

Wear of suspension units

The suspension wears out sooner or later. There are several components, including ball joints, control arms, struts, shock absorbers and bushings, that can wear out over time. Worn components will cause the car to move to the side when braking. Suspension parts show signs of wear over a long period of time. So, you may not be aware of the problem unless any part is damaged or broken.

How to fix it? Again, you need to seek professional help because suspension is vital to a vehicle’s safety system. Regular annual inspections will prevent you from being surprised by unexpectedly broken or damaged suspension parts.

REMEMBER: You can always contact our car service center, where your car will be happy to receive professional technical assistance. You can also make an appointment with us for a scheduled technical inspection! Please familiarize yourself with our car repair and diagnostic services.