Have you noticed your car drifting left or right without turning the steering wheel? This is known as pulling, and it’s more than just an annoyance—it’s a sign that something isn’t right with your vehicle. Whether it’s alignment, tire wear, or a brake issue, pulling to one side can affect your control, increase tire wear, and reduce safety.
Let’s look at the most common reasons your car might pull to one side and what can be done to fix it.
Wheel Alignment Problems
One of the most common causes of pulling is misalignment. When your wheels aren’t aligned properly, they don’t point perfectly straight, and that can cause your vehicle to drift in one direction. Hitting a curb, pothole, or driving on rough roads can knock your wheels out of alignment.
In addition to pulling, other symptoms of misalignment include uneven tire wear, a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, or a general feeling that the car isn’t tracking correctly. A wheel alignment service can correct these angles and restore proper handling.
Uneven Tire Pressure
Sometimes the cause is as simple as uneven tire pressure. If one tire has less air than the others, it changes the rolling resistance and makes your vehicle lean slightly to that side. This is especially noticeable at highway speeds.
Checking your tire pressure regularly is a quick and easy way to rule this out. Always inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which are listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.
Tire Wear or Tire Defects
Tires that are worn unevenly can also cause your vehicle to pull. If one tire has more tread wear on one side, it will roll differently than the others. This can be the result of past alignment issues, unbalanced tires, or even suspension wear.
Occasionally, a manufacturing defect can cause a tire to become out-of-round or develop internal issues that make it roll unevenly. Rotating your tires regularly and inspecting them for wear patterns can help prevent this kind of problem.
Brake Caliper Issues
If your car pulls when braking, the issue could be a sticking brake caliper. When a caliper on one side of the vehicle doesn’t release properly, it causes constant drag. This drag pulls the vehicle toward the affected side, and over time, it can lead to excessive heat, uneven brake pad wear, and warped rotors.
You might also notice a burning smell or a hot wheel after driving. Brake inspections can confirm whether a caliper is sticking and if any other brake components need to be replaced.
Suspension or Steering Component Wear
Worn suspension parts like control arm bushings, ball joints, or tie rods can allow the wheels to move out of their intended positions, creating a pull or drift. Over time, this type of wear affects the car’s geometry and makes the problem worse.
If your steering feels loose, you hear clunking over bumps, or your car doesn’t respond smoothly to wheel input, the suspension system may be the cause. These components wear out gradually and should be inspected regularly to ensure safe handling.
Torque Steer in Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Some front-wheel drive cars experience torque steer—a pull to one side during hard acceleration. This happens because the engine’s power is being delivered unevenly to the front wheels. While minor torque steer is common in high-powered vehicles, if it’s constant or severe, it may indicate a worn axle or bushing that needs attention.
Road Conditions and Crowned Roads
Sometimes the issue isn’t your car—it’s the road. Many roads are slightly curved or “crowned” for drainage, making your car drift slightly to the right. If your car only pulls on certain roads but drives straight on others, this may be the reason.
Still, it’s worth having the vehicle inspected to ensure there’s not an underlying mechanical problem making the pulling worse.
NOLA Automotive Repairs – Steering and Suspension Specialists in New Orleans, LA
At NOLA Automotive Repairs in New Orleans, we understand how unsettling it is when your vehicle pulls to one side. Whether it’s a quick tire pressure fix or a deeper suspension issue, our team will pinpoint the cause and get you back on track.
If your car isn’t handling the way it should, don’t ignore it—schedule a visit today and let us restore your steering confidence.