If you’ve ever been driving down the road and felt your car veering to the left or right, you know how annoying and potentially dangerous it can be. As the owner of My Auto Shop, New Zealand’s largest mobile mechanic business, I’ve seen this issue countless times. In this post, I’ll break down the common causes of car pulling and what you can do to fix it.
Too long; didn’t read (TL;DR)
If your vehicle veers to one side while driving, it may be due to any of these reasons:
- Wheel alignment: The common culprit for pulling is misaligned wheels.
- Tyre pressure imbalance: Uneven tyre pressure on one side can make the car swerve in that direction.
- Tyre tonicity: Flaws in tire construction might cause the tyre to drift to a side.
- Brake concerns: Issues like a calliper or a collapsed brake hose could make the brakes grip one wheel.
- Suspension troubles: When suspension parts are worn out or damaged, it can result in the vehicle pulling to a side.
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Is your car pulling a Houdini act?
When your car seems to have a mind of its own, drifting left or right despite your best efforts to keep it straight, it’s not just frustrating – it can be a serious safety hazard. Some of the telltale signs that your car is pulling include:
- Having to constantly adjust your steering to stay in your lane;
- Noticing your steering wheel is off-center when driving straight;
- Feeling like your car is “fighting” you to maintain a straight path.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get to the bottom of the issue.
The usual suspects
So, what’s causing your car to pull a disappearing act on the straight and narrow? Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Uneven tire pressure: If one of your tyres has significantly less air pressure than the others, it can cause your car to pull in that direction.
- Wheel misalignment: Over time, your car’s alignment can get knocked out of whack, causing your vehicle to pull to one side. This is often the result of hitting potholes, curbs, or just general wear and tear.
- Uneven tyre wear: If your tyres are wearing unevenly, with more tread on one side than the other, it can cause your car to drift in the direction of the more worn tyre.
- Tyre conicity: Sometimes, a manufacturing defect can cause a tyre to be slightly cone-shaped, which can cause pulling.
- Brake issues: If one of your brake callipers is sticking or a brake hose collapses, it can cause your car to pull to one side, especially while braking.
- Suspension problems: Worn-out suspension components, like ball joints or strut bearings, can cause your alignment to be off, resulting in pulling.
Bringing your car back in line
The good news is, that most of these issues can be resolved with a proper wheel alignment from a qualified mechanic. During an alignment, your mechanic will:
- Check your tyre pressure and inflate them to the proper levels
- Inspect your tyres for uneven wear or damage
- Adjust your car’s suspension components to bring everything back to spec
- Road test your vehicle to ensure the pull is gone
In some cases, you may need additional repairs, like replacing a damaged tyre, brake components, or suspension parts. Your mechanic will let you know if any of these issues are detected during the alignment process.
The cost of keeping your car on the straight and narrow
So, how much is this going to set you back? In New Zealand, a standard wheel alignment typically runs between $80 to $120, depending on your vehicle and location. If additional repairs are needed, like replacing a tyre or suspension component, the cost will be higher.
Don’t let your car pull a fast one on you
If your car is pulling to the left or right, don’t ignore the problem – it will only get worse over time and could lead to premature tyre wear or even an accident. Bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic, like the experts at My Auto Shop, to diagnose and fix the issue. With a proper alignment and any necessary repairs, you’ll be back to driving straight and true in no time.