If your car is pulling to one side, it can be more than just an inconvenience—it can also affect your safety and driving experience.
There are many reasons your car might drift, from common issues like wheel alignment problems to more specific concerns like torque steer or memory steer.
Understanding the underlying causes can help you take the right steps to address the problem and restore your vehicle’s performance.
In this article, we’ll explore the 9 common reasons why your car may pull to one side, and offer practical solutions to fix the issue.
10 Reasons Why Your Car is Pulling to One Side
1. Wheel alignment problems
The most common reason a car pulls to the right or left is wheel misalignment. Over time, normal driving can cause wheels to shift out of alignment, but the problem can worsen after hitting potholes, curbs, or driving on rough roads. When the wheels are not properly aligned, the car may drift to one side even when the steering wheel is held straight.
What to do: Have a mechanic adjust the wheel angles to match manufacturer specifications. This restores balance and improves handling. Get your alignment checked once a year or when you buy new tires to keep wear even and driving safe.
2. Uneven tire pressure
Uneven tire pressure is another common reason a car pulls to the right or left side. When one tire has less air than the others, it affects the car’s balance and steering. This imbalance can cause the vehicle to drift, even on a straight road.
What to do: Use a tire pressure gauge to check that all tires match the recommended PSI in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s door sticker. Adjust the air pressure so all four tires are evenly inflated. If a tire keeps losing air, inspect it for punctures, cracks, or valve stem issues. Rotate your tires regularly to promote even wear and maintain consistent pressure.
3. Tire conicity
Tire conicity happens when a tire is manufactured with a slight cone shape instead of being perfectly round. This shape causes the tire to push the car to one side, similar to how a rolling cone moves in a curved path. Conicity is usually a factory defect, but it can also develop from uneven wear.
What to do: If the tire is new, check for conicity. If present, review the manufacturer’s warranty and get a replacement. If conicity is caused by uneven wear, rotating the front tires may help.
4. Suspension or steering issues
The suspension system supports the car’s weight and absorbs shocks, while the steering system controls its direction. If either system is damaged, the car may drift or handle poorly.
A common sign of suspension or steering issues is hearing unusual noises, like clunking or squeaking, when turning or driving over bumps.
What to do: Have a mechanic check the suspension and steering for damage. If any parts are worn or broken, replace them to restore safe handling. After repairs, get a wheel alignment to ensure proper balance as misalignment can often result from worn suspension components.
5. Uneven wearing of breaks
When brake pads wear unevenly, one side of the vehicle gets more braking force, making the car pull in that direction. A common sign is hearing squeaking or grinding noises when you apply the brakes.
What to do: Have a mechanic inspect the braking system. If the pads are unevenly worn, replace them to restore proper braking force. Make sure the brake calipers, rotors, and fluid are in good condition to prevent further wear. After replacing worn parts, a mechanic can align the brake system to avoid future issues.
Related: Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?
6. Uneven tread wear
If the tread wears down unevenly, one side of the tire grips the road more than the other, leading to pulling. This can happen due to misalignment, poor tire pressure, or suspension issues.
What to do: Rotate your tires regularly to distribute wear evenly and extend tire life. Also, have your wheel alignment, tire pressure, and suspension parts checked regularly.
Related: 6 Signs You Need to Replace Your Tires
7. Dented wheel rims
A dented wheel rims can affect how the tire makes contact with the road. This uneven contact can create a pull or wobble, especially at higher speeds. Dents are often caused by hitting curbs, potholes, or rough terrain.
What to do: Inspect the rims for visible damage, such as dents, cracks, or bends. If you find damage, have the rim fixed or replaced to restore balance and handling. Dented rims can affect alignment, so have it checked to avoid further problems. Finally, avoid hitting curbs and potholes to prevent future damage.
8. Torque steer
Torque steer happens when the car pulls to one side while accelerating, especially in front-wheel-drive vehicles. It occurs because power is unevenly distributed to the front wheels. When one wheel gets more power than the other, it can cause the car to veer left or right, particularly during hard acceleration or on uneven roads.
What to do: Damaged or worn axle parts can cause torque steer. Have them checked and replaced if needed. Uneven suspension or alignment can make it worse, so have these systems inspected and repaired. Incorrect tire pressure can also contribute to torque steer, so make sure all tires are properly inflated.
9. Memory steer
Memory steer occurs when your car pulls to one side after making a turn, even if the steering wheel has returned to the center. This happens when the steering system “remembers” the last turn and keeps pulling the car in that direction. Memory steer is often caused by misalignment or issues with the suspension or steering components.
What to do: Misalignment is the most common cause of memory steer. Have your alignment checked and fixed if needed. Worn or damaged suspension and steering parts can also cause memory steer. Have these parts inspected and replaced if necessary.
Summary
Having your car pull to one side isn’t something you should ignore. Whether it’s a simple alignment issue or something more serious, fixing the problem can improve your car’s handling and make your ride safer. If you’re dealing with any of these issues and need help, Neighborhood Roadside Assistance offers a mobile mechanic service to get you back on track quickly and safely.