If your car drifts to the left or right when you’re driving straight and not touching the wheel, something is off. Here are the most common reasons why, from least to most involved.
Uneven Tire Pressure
This is the simplest and most common cause. A tire with lower pressure on one side creates more rolling resistance, pulling the car in that direction. Check all four tires against the pressure listed on your driver’s door sticker.
Misalignment
If your wheels aren’t pointed in the correct direction relative to each other, the car will naturally pull toward the side that’s out of spec. This often happens after hitting a pothole or curb hard.
Uneven Tire Wear
Tires that have worn unevenly, even from a past alignment issue, can pull even after the alignment itself is fixed, since the tread pattern itself is no longer even side to side.
Brake Issues
A sticking caliper on one side will apply more braking force to that wheel, which can feel like a pull, especially noticeable when braking rather than while cruising.
Suspension Problems
Worn suspension components, like ball joints or bushings, can also cause a pull, along with other symptoms like clunking or uneven ride height.
Noticing a pull? Bring it into President Tire & Wheels and we’ll narrow down exactly what’s causing it.
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