Are you fighting your car to keep between the lines? Does it feel like the car is pulling to one side? If so, you’d be correct to assume something is amiss. Not only is car pull inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous. The culprit could be uneven air pressure in your tires, improper wheel alignment, or a worn suspension, just to name a few. We’ll explain what can cause a car to pull to one side and provide a few quick troubleshooting tips in this guide!
Step One: Get to Know the Issue
If you find your car pulling to one side, your first step should be to clarify the nature of the pull.
- Is your car pulling to the left? Or, maybe your car pulls to the right.
- Does it only pull when braking or accelerating?
- Is the pull constant, or does it come and go?
Pinpointing the details and relaying this information to your technician can help them narrow down the possible cause and diagnose the issue quicker.
What Can Cause a Car to Pull to One Side
A car pulling to one side can come from a range of mechanical or tire-related issues. Here are the most common culprits:
- Uneven Tire Pressure: Uneven tire pressure can cause your vehicle to lean and drift toward the side with the lower pressure. This uneven resistance creates a subtle “pull” that worsens as pressure differences grow.
- Wheel Misalignment: If your wheels aren’t aligned properly, they can work against each other instead of rolling straight. Signs of a car pulling to one side after an alignment (or if you've gone without one for a while) include uneven tread wear, a crooked steering wheel, or tires that appear to tilt inward or outward.
- Brake Problems: If your car pulls to one side when braking, you could have a sticking brake caliper, worn brake pads, or an issue with your brake fluid or lines. If your brakes apply pressure unevenly, the vehicle can veer toward the side with more braking force.
- Suspension or Steering Wear: Over time, suspension components like control arms, tie rods, or shocks can wear out and throw your suspension geometry off balance. This can create a pull even when your tires and brakes are fine.
- Road or Load Imbalance: Heavily crowned roads or uneven cargo weight can cause a temporary pull. If the issue happens only on certain stretches or when loaded, this could be the cause.
- Wheel Bearing or Steering Sensor Issues: While this is a less common cause of car pull, a bad wheel bearing or an uncalibrated steering angle sensor can also cause drift. These problems typically require diagnostic testing from a certified technician.
Step Two: Check Tire Pressure
Improper tire pressure is one of the top reasons a car might feel like it's pulling to one side. With over or under-inflated tires, your car may feel like it's leaning. This pull can occur from the right or left — almost like a heaving motion.
Over or under-inflated tires can lead to tire wear issues down the road, so it's best not to let this one linger. Find your recommended tire pressure and head to the nearest air fill station to check and/or refill your tires. Short on time? Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free tire pressure check.
Step Three: Ask Yourself About Alignment
If you're sure your tires measure in at the recommended tire pressure, ask yourself, "When's the last time I had my wheels aligned?" If the answer is, "I can't remember," then wheel misalignment could be the culprit behind your car pull.
Keeping up with your vehicle's maintenance is essential. And if you think poor alignment is the cause of your car pull, look out for signs of uneven tread wear, a crooked steering wheel, or tires that look like they're leaning inward. Our technicians will adjust steering and suspension components during a wheel alignment so that all adjustable angles are optimized to the manufacturer's specifications. The result? A smooth, steady ride that stays pointed in the right direction!
Step Four: Have Your Brake System Inspected
If you find your car pulling to one side while braking and you know your tires are at their recommended pressure levels after an alignment, you may be dealing with a sticking brake caliper or restricted brake line. Your calipers apply pressure to your brake pads, which pushes them against the rotor. If one of your calipers doesn't apply the proper pressure due to being stuck, your vehicle may start to pull towards the opposite direction.
Big or small, brake problems are a serious safety hazard. If you suspect your car has a brake issue, visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care as soon as possible.
Step Five: Get A Complete Vehicle Inspection Performed
If your car is still pulling to the left or right after checking your tire pressure and getting an alignment, it’s time for a professional inspection. Ignoring the problem could lead to premature tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, or compromised steering control.
At Firestone Complete Auto Care, our expert technicians can pinpoint the cause—whether it’s brake imbalance, misalignment, or suspension wear—and fix it fast. With advanced diagnostic tools and trusted know-how, we’ll keep your car tracking straight and safe.
Firestone Complete Auto Care Can Help Keep Your Car Steady
There are several other possible causes of a vehicle pulling to the side, including a bad wheel bearing, worn steering linkage, an uncalibrated steering angle sensor, or a worn tie rod — all of which are difficult to diagnose on your own and could be dangerous if left unattended.
If you're experiencing car pull, put your safety first and have things checked out by a professional. Take note of the conditions in which the car starts pulling and whether the pull is constant. Then, bring your vehicle to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for an inspection, and we'll help keep you headed in the right direction!
Car Pull FAQs
Why does my car pull after an alignment?
If your car pulls to one side after an alignment, it may be due to uneven tire wear, incorrect tire pressure, or worn suspension parts that affect how your wheels track. It’s also possible that a brake or steering component needs adjustment. Have your vehicle inspected to ensure all angles were properly set.
Is it safe to drive a car that pulls to one side?
It’s not ideal. While it may seem minor, a constant pull can strain your tires and steering system, making it harder to control your vehicle in emergencies. It may also be the effect of braking issues, which can be very dangerous. It’s best to have a professional inspection as soon as possible.
Why does my car pull when braking?
A car that pulls to one side when braking typically indicates a brake imbalance—like a sticking caliper or uneven brake pad wear. These issues can affect stopping power and should be addressed right away.
Can bad tires cause my car to pull?
Yes. Tires with uneven tread depth, under- or overinflated tire pressure, or internal belt separation can cause your car to drift or pull.
