If you find yourself constantly correcting the steering to keep your car going straight, something is not right. A car that pulls to one side is not just annoying — it is a safety concern, especially in emergency manoeuvres.
Common Causes
Wheel Alignment
This is the most common reason a car pulls. Your wheels should be precisely angled according to manufacturer specifications. Hitting potholes, kerbs, or even just normal wear can knock your alignment out. A wheel alignment typically costs between $80 and $150 and should be done annually or after any significant impact.
Uneven Tyre Pressure
A tyre with lower pressure than the others creates more rolling resistance, pulling the car in that direction. This is the easiest fix — check all four tyres and inflate to the correct pressure.
Uneven Tyre Wear
If one tyre has significantly less tread than the others, the difference in grip can cause pulling. Rotate your tyres every 10,000 km to promote even wear.
Worn Suspension Components
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arm bushes can allow wheels to move out of alignment. This usually develops gradually and may be accompanied by clunking noises over bumps.
Sticking Brake Calliper
A brake calliper that does not fully release creates drag on one side. You may notice the car pulling more after braking, a burning smell from one wheel, or one wheel hub being noticeably hotter than the others.
Road Camber
Most roads are slightly crowned (higher in the middle) for drainage. A slight pull to the left on Australian roads is normal. If it is only noticeable on certain roads, this may be the cause.
When to Get It Checked
If the pull is consistent, gets worse, or is accompanied by vibration, noise, or uneven tyre wear, have it inspected. Ignoring alignment issues leads to premature tyre wear — tyres are expensive to replace.
Book a wheel alignment and suspension check at Heatherdale Automotive.