If you’ve ever been driving straight down the road only to feel like your car has a mind of its own—drifting or tugging to one side—it’s not just frustrating, it can be a sign that something’s off under the hood (or under the car). A car that pulls to one side may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but left unchecked, it can become a serious safety hazard.
Why a Car Pulling to One Side Is a Problem
When your car starts veering left or right without your input, it compromises your ability to drive straight, increases driver fatigue, and can make handling unpredictable, especially during emergency maneuvers or slick road conditions.
Proper wheel alignment is a big part of what keeps your car driving safely and smoothly. It’s not just about making sure your steering wheel stays straight—it affects tire wear, gas mileage, and even the way your suspension and braking systems perform.
So, how do you know your car is pulling to one side? Common signs include:
- Constantly correcting the steering wheel to stay straight
- Uneven tire wear
- A crooked steering wheel, even when driving straight
- The car drifts to one side when you let go of the wheel (on a flat road)
- Pulling to one side when braking or accelerating
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to bigger problems like damaged tires, worn suspension components, and reduced control over your vehicle.
Common Causes of a Car Pulling to One Side
There’s no one-size-fits-all reason for this issue—several culprits could be at play. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
Misaligned Wheels
Misalignment is one of the leading causes of a vehicle pulling to one side. Even a minor alignment issue can throw off your car’s steering and cause uneven wear on your tires. Hitting a pothole, curb, or even just normal driving wear and tear can knock things out of alignment.
Uneven Tire Pressure
Believe it or not, something as simple as low tire pressure can cause your car to pull. If one tire has less air than the others, it can change the way the vehicle sits and handles. It’s an easy fix, but easy to overlook.
Brake System Issues
When your brakes aren’t operating evenly—say, a caliper is sticking or one side’s pads are more worn—it can cause your car to pull to one side when braking. This isn’t just annoying—it can be dangerous.
Suspension or Steering Problems
Worn ball joints, tie rods, or other steering/suspension components can affect alignment and cause uneven handling. These parts wear out over time, especially on high-mileage vehicles, and need to be inspected regularly.
Car Pulling to the Right: What It Means
When Braking
If your car pulls right when you hit the brakes, it could be due to a stuck caliper on that side, or uneven brake pad wear. This causes one side to grip harder than the other.
When Accelerating
Pulling to the right under acceleration often points to a condition called torque steer—common in front-wheel-drive cars. It happens when uneven power is distributed to the wheels, often due to worn CV joints, motor mounts, or suspension components.
After Alignment
If your car still pulls right after an alignment, it could mean the shop didn’t catch a worn-out component, or something shifted again. Sometimes road crown (the natural slope of the road for drainage) can exaggerate this feeling, but it’s worth a second look.
Car Pulling to the Left: What It Means
After Alignment
Like pulling to the right, if your car veers left after an alignment, it might indicate that not all issues were addressed—like a bent control arm or worn suspension part. Alignment can only fix so much if parts underneath are already compromised.
When Accelerating
This could again point to torque steer or uneven engine performance. Even slightly different tire sizes or tread depths between the left and right side can cause imbalances.
Other Potential Causes
Sometimes, it’s not your car—it’s the road. Many roads are sloped to help with water runoff, which can naturally cause your car to drift a little. Also, we all have driving habits, and a consistently firm grip on the wheel one way or another can influence how your car wears over time.
How to Fix a Car That Pulls to One Side
Good news—most of these issues can be fixed with routine maintenance and a few repairs. Here’s where to start:
1. Check Tire Pressure
Start with the basics. Make sure all four tires are inflated to the recommended PSI listed in your owner’s manual or door jamb. Uneven pressure can throw off your whole ride.
2. Inspect Your Brakes
Check for uneven wear on your brake pads or signs of sticking calipers. If you notice one side is more worn, it’s time for a brake service.
3. Get a Professional Wheel Alignment
An alignment isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for straight driving and even tire wear. At Burt Brothers, our ASE-certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to get your car aligned to manufacturer specifications.
4. Check Suspension & Steering Components
If alignment doesn’t fix the problem, it might be deeper. Worn bushings, tie rods, struts, or ball joints can all cause pulling. A pro inspection is your best bet here.
When to See a Mechanic
If you’ve checked your tire pressure and things still feel off, it’s time to let a professional take a look. DIY fixes can help with minor issues, but serious suspension or brake problems need expert tools and know-how.
Signs it’s time to head in:
- Pulling persists after alignment or pressure checks
- You hear clunks, squeaks, or grinding noises
- Steering feels loose or unresponsive
- The brake pedal feels uneven or spongy
The good news? Catching and fixing the issue early can prevent much more expensive repairs down the road.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Want to avoid dealing with this altogether? Here’s how:
- Check your tire pressure monthly—especially before long trips or season changes.
- Inspect your tires regularly for wear patterns, bulges, or damage.
- Get alignments annually, or anytime you hit a curb, pothole, or notice uneven wear.
- Have your brakes inspected at least once a year.
- Don’t ignore early signs—small issues often lead to bigger ones.
Your car pulling to one side is your vehicle’s way of waving a red flag. Whether it’s alignment, brakes, or suspension, getting to the root of the issue not only improves your ride—it keeps you and your passengers safer.
At Burt Brothers, we’re proud to be your trusted automotive partner. With convenient locations across Utah, certified technicians, and a commitment to top-tier service, we’ll help you get your car driving straight again—no guesswork required.
Stop by your nearest Burt Brothers location today for an expert inspection and alignment. Because when your car drives right, everything feels just a little more in line.
