Why Does My Car Veer to the Right or Left?
Your vehicle should always drive straight and true. If your car veers to the right or left, there could be several possible causes, some more severe than others. The problem doesn’t always have an obvious cause. There could be an issue with your alignment, tires, suspension parts, or other factors that can cause the vehicle to drift or pull to one side.
You most likely will need the help of an expert auto technician to properly diagnose the problem. It is hard to focus on safe driving when you’re constantly adjusting your steering wheel so you can keep your vehicle going straight down the road. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous. We can narrow down the possibilities by looking at some of the issues that can cause this particular problem. The following are the most common culprits of why your car pulls or veers to one side.
Wheel Alignment
If your wheel alignment is off, this can cause your vehicle to pull to one side and can also cause uneven wear on your tires. This is the most common cause of your car pulling to one side. This happens overtime due to poorly maintained roads, potholes, and occasionally hitting curbs. It’s a good idea to periodically get a wheel alignment check for your vehicle at a service center and then have it realigned as needed. When your vehicle is properly aligned, it is at optimal performance, and your steering wheel is centered with the direction of your tires.
Tires
Your tires have direct contact with the road and they should follow the direction you steer in. Uneven wear or low tire pressure can cause a vehicle to pull to one side. Not performing tire rotation regularly can cause the wear on your tires to become uneven, which can, in turn, cause your vehicle to pull to one side. Uneven air pressure can also cause your vehicle to pull to one side. Check each of your tire’s pressure levels and have your tires rotated.
Brakes
Brake issues can cause your car to pull to one side or the other during braking. This can be due to a damaged brake component or unevenly worn brake pads/rotors. Failure to properly clean, maintain, and repair your brakes can reduce the brake force, which can cause your car to veer. It’s important that if your vehicle pulls to one side during braking that you have a qualified technician inspect and repair your brake system.
Suspension
If a component within the suspension system is damaged, loose, or malfunctioning, this can cause your vehicle to pull to one side or the other. The suspension system connects your wheels and steering system to your vehicle. It ensures you have comfort, handling, and safety. If the suspension is compromised, it may lead to shaky handling, pulling to one side, vibration, premature tire wear, and an overall dangerous drive.
The automotive technicians at Postle Tire Barn can quickly and effectively diagnose and address unwanted pulling issues, ensuring your safety and control of your vehicle. We can determine the source of the problem and recommend the right repairs. As with any automotive issue, it’s better to deal with this kind of concern early before it develops into something much more significant and more costly to repair.
Contact Us
Postle Tire Barn is a family owned and operated tire and automotive repair shop located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We are fully licensed and insured and have served the automotive repair needs of West Alabama for more than 40 years. Contact us today!
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