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 tires, wheel balance, and other factors that can cause the vehicle to drift. You will need the help of an expert auto mechanic to properly diagnose the problem. It is hard to focus on safe driving when you’re constantly tugging your wheel so you can keep it straight. Not only is this inconvenient, but it’s also 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 veers to the 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 the most common cause of your car veering to one side. This happens overtime due to poorly maintained roads and hitting the curb. 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.

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 the right. 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. Check your tire’s pressure and have your wheels rotated.

Brakes

Brakes 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.

Suspension

If a component within the suspension system is damaged or malfunctioning, this will cause one side of the car to pull. The suspension system connects the wheels to the 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.

Our automotive technicians can quickly and effectively diagnose and address unwanted pulling issues, ensuring your safety and control. 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 costly to repair.