Car pulling to one side? Here's why

If you’ve ever noticed your car drifting to one side, you'll know how frustrating—and even unnerving—it can be. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! It's a common issue that can happen for several reasons.

Sometimes it's as simple as uneven tyre pressure, but other times, it could point to more serious problems like wheel alignment issues.

Below, we'll walk you through some causes, what they mean and when it's time to seek professional help. Keep reading!

Wheel alignment

One of the most common causes of a car pulling to the left or right is misaligned wheels! This happens when the angle of your wheels shifts away from the original specifications set by the manufacturer. It’s normal for wheels to become misaligned over time—general wear and tear, bumping into curbs, or even potholes can throw them off.

Find out how to claim for pothole damage on your car insurance with our handy guide.

How to fix it: Aligning wheels isn’t something most of us can tackle at home, and that’s okay! It’s best to visit a professional who has the right tools to get your wheels back into perfect alignment.

Uneven tyre pressure

Uneven tyre pressure can also cause your car to pull to one side. Here’s why: when one tyre is underinflated, it becomes smaller than the others. This imbalance can throw off your car’s alignment and make it feel like it’s veering off course. Plus, an underinflated tyre has more rolling resistance, which can make the pulling feel more noticeable.

How to fix it: This one’s usually a simple fix! Head to your local petrol station and use the air pump to adjust your tyre pressure back to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. You can usually find these details in your car’s owner manual or on a sticker inside your driver door.

Worn tyres

If your car feels like it’s favoring one side of the road, worn tyres might be the reason. Typically, the car will pull toward the side where the tyres have more wear, as they provide less grip and stability.

How to fix it: This is generally a job for your mechanic. Ask them to inspect your tyres and replace any that are too worn down. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to replace your tyres every 20,000 miles. Or, whenever the tread becomes noticeably thin. Read our guide on how to check your tyre's pressure and tread depth for more tyre health tips.

Tyre conicity

Tyre conicity is when there's a problem with the tyre during the manufacturing process. Instead of being perfectly cylindrical, the tyre tread can harden in a cone-like shape because of incorrectly placed components. When this happens, it can cause your car to pull to one side—typically the side of the affected tire.

How to fix it: Unfortunately, there’s no fix for tyre conicity—it'll need to be replaced for a new one. A visit to your local garage will get you back on the road in no time!

Tyre separation

Tyre separation occurs when the layers of a tyre begin to peel apart. This is usually due to damage, poor manufacturing or general wear and tear. This can cause a bump in the tyre and lead to a noticeable pull to one side.

How to fix it: If you suspect tyre separation, it’s essential to stop driving and have the tyre inspected immediately. Replacing the damaged tyre is the only way to ensure your safety and the car's performance.

Dented rims

A dented rim might not seem like a big deal at first glance, but it can cause your car to pull to one side. When the rim is bent or damaged, it can impact how the tyre sits. As a result, it can lead to uneven rotation and alignment problems.

How to fix it: Depending on the severity, a professional might be able to repair the rim of the affected tyre. But, in most cases, you’ll need to replace the problem tyre completely.

Wheel bearings

When your car’s wheel bearings start to wear out, it can cause more than just an annoying grinding noise near the tyres! Worn bearings can create additional friction, and this can cause the car to pull to one side.

How to fix it: Replacing the worn wheel bearing is usually the only solution. This is a job for a professional mechanic, as specialised tools are needed to remove and install the new bearing correctly.

What if it only happens when I brake?

If your car pulls to one side when you use the brakes, there could be a problem with the braking system. It could be uneven brake pads, a sticking caliper, or another issue that’s throwing things out of alignment. It’s important to address this right away to make sure your car stays safe to drive.

So, schedule a visit to your mechanic as soon as possible!

What if it only happens when I accelerate?

If your car veers to the side when you press on the accelerator, you're probably dealing with torque steer. This happens if your engine's power isn't evenly distributed to the wheels. It's common in front-wheel-drive and performance cars.

So, there may not be anything wrong with your car—it's just because of its design! But, easing into the accelerator smoothly can help to reduce the 'pulling' feeling.

Always bear in mind: If you're unsure about something your car is doing, check with a professional. While it might be nothing, it could equally be something serious. So it's always best to check.