When we’re used to driving regularly, it can be distressing when we notice that something isn’t quite right with our vehicles. Higher fuel consumption, a rattle or noise we’re not used to or the car pulling to one side – these can all be signs that something is wrong with the car. If your car is pulling to one side, this can be a sign that the vehicle has an issue. Whether it’s wheel alignment problems, steering issues or something else completely, knowing what to look for and making sure you book your car with one of our qualified team as soon as possible will ensure that you continue driving safely and can get back on the road in no time. So, what exactly causes a car to pull to one side?

Incorrect Tyre Pressure

Our tyres go through a lot each time we drive and over time, as conditions and weather change, they can lose or gain pressure outside of the suggested thresholds. Keeping on top of tyre pressure is crucial to ensuring that you avoid premature wear and tear. While most modern cars will have monitoring systems that let you know if any tyre is particularly low, for those with older cars, it can mean regular checking manually. If you don’t check or the pressure changes suddenly, you may find that your car is pulling to one side. If this is the case, having a quick check of the pressure and adjusting it to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure may be a simple fix for the problem. 

Tyre Wear

If the pressure isn’t the problem, you could find that uneven wear on your tyres is what might be causing the problem. If you’ve had incorrect tyre pressure for a while, your tyres can wear down unevenly and ultimately lead to issues with the balance of your vehicle. You can check the wear of your tyres using tread depth either by measuring or by checking for the tread bars. If your tyres are wearing unevenly, now is the time to get those affected replaced.

Your Brakes

Various problems with your brakes could cause your vehicle to pull to one side, with some issues more severe than others. General wear and tear on the brake discs, pads or callipers are a given part of driving but can cause a pull to one side. Replacement will typically fix the issue. If you have a problem with the ABS system, however, this could result in the pressure being unevenly distributed across the brakes and therefore pulling the car to one side when applied. Our team can run full diagnostics to get to the heart of the problem and conduct the right vehicle repairs for your situation.

Wheel Alignment

Whether it’s potholes, speedbumps or a particularly rough road, one rough hit to your wheels could cause them to be thrown out of alignment. Alongside causing problems with uneven wear on the tires, poor wheel alignment can also cause your car to pull to one side or the other, increase your fuel consumption and make driving, in general, an unpleasant and possibly even dangerous experience. If you think your wheels are out of alignment, it’s important to book your vehicle in for re-alignment as soon as possible. 

For more information or advice on dealing with a car pulling to one side, our expert team are on hand to help. Simply get in touch with a member of our team to book your vehicle in with us, today.