A car that drifts left or right on a straight, flat road is trying to tell you something. Here's what causes it, cheapest and most likely first.
A soft tyre on one side is the single most common cause of pulling, and it's free to fix. Check all four when cold against the recommended figures before you pay for anything else (see our tyre pressure guide).
If pressures are fine, the usual culprit is the alignment being out - very common after clipping a kerb or hitting a pothole. It also shows up as uneven tyre wear on one edge. This needs an alignment rig to put right (see alignment vs balancing).
Different tyres, different wear or different pressures across an axle can all make a car pull. Matching your tyres across an axle keeps things even.
A sticking brake caliper can drag one side and pull under braking - worth checking if the pull comes on when you brake. And remember most roads are slightly cambered to drain water, so a very mild drift to the left can be completely normal.
“Before you pay for anything, check your pressures - a soft tyre on one side is the most common cause and it's free to fix. If it's still pulling after that, it's usually your tracking, and that's a job for a garage with an alignment rig.”
Most often uneven tyre pressures or the wheel alignment being out. Mismatched tyres, a dragging brake, or road camber can also cause it.
It's worth sorting promptly - it affects control and can point to a tyre, alignment or brake problem. Get it checked.
Yes - a softer tyre on one side is the most common and cheapest-to-fix cause. Check pressures first.
We provide mobile wheel balancing and can check your tyres and pressures at your door. Full alignment needs a workshop rig, so we'll point you to a garage for that.
Call now for a fast, no-obligation quote - or drop your details in and we'll come back to you.
07772 078 648We'll call you back as soon as we can. For anything urgent, call 07772 078 648.