If you notice your car keeps pulling to the left when driving in Fairfax, VA it’s safe to say there is an issue that your vehicle is trying to communicate to you. We understand that it can be frustrating to have your car pull to one side while driving. It’s also hard to focus on safe driving when you’re constantly tugging your wheel left or right, just so you can keep a straight line. The worst part is, you have no idea what’s causing it or how to fix it. Luckily, the experts at ABS Unlimited can help!
1) Your Vehicle’s Tire Pressure Is Uneven – When pressure is too low or high on the front left tire, the height of the tire changes, which causes a shift in alignment.
Signs to look for:
- Tires that show wear on the outer edges are underinflated
- Tires that show wear on down the center of the tire are overinflated
Solution: Check each tire’s pressure and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Helpful tip: Low tire pressure could also be a sign of a puncture in the tire. If you continue to have deflation issues or your car continues to pull, this is clearly a sign of a bigger problem.
2) Your Tires Are Misaligned – One of the most common reasons your car will pull to one side is because the wheel alignment is off. When your wheel and axles aren’t lined correctly, you’ll notice your steering wheel – and the whole front of the car – pull to the left or right.
Solution: A mechanic can easily align your wheel and you’ll be good to go.
Helpful tip: A more serious symptom of misaligned wheels is uneven tread wear because the tread wears down quickly and unevenly. This could cause your tires to become unsafe.
3) You Experience Brake Issues – Does your car pull only when you put your foot on the brake? Be sure to tell that to your mechanic!
Chances are, you’re dealing with one or more of the following:
- Stuck calipers
- Collapsed brake hose
- Slide pin issues
Solution: Have your brakes inspected by a qualified brake shop, like ABS Unlimited.
Helpful Tip: Don’t leave brake issues unattended. This is likely to cause more damage and costly repairs.
4) The Wheel Bearing Is Bad – When wheel bearings wear out, the signs can’t be missed. Usually, the car exhibits other symptoms before it starts to pull. For instance, you will hear a “grinding” noise from the tire area and your steering wheel will shake. Eventually your vehicle will begin to pull to the left or right.
Solution: If you are experiencing one or all of these symptoms, your wheel bearing could be bad and it’s important to visit an auto shop immediately.
Helpful Tip: Your vehicle is unsafe to drive in this condition. Let us re-emphasize the importance of having your vehicle inspected asap.
5) Suspension or Steering Parts Are Worn Out – If your tires aren’t the culprit, your steering or suspension components could be the root cause. When either of these are worn out, your car could begin to pull to one side or the other.
Solution: Have your vehicle inspected by a reputable auto shop
Helpful Tip: Annual inspections will help you stay up-to-date to make sure nothing is worn.
It’s important to be aware of how your vehicle is operating. If your vehicle is pulling to the left, pay attention to when it happens. Does it only pull when you brake or accelerate, or does it pull to that side all the time? Being aware of these kinds of details can help your mechanic identify the cause, which in turn helps you figure out what to expect when you bring your vehicle in for repair.
If your vehicle is showing any of these 5 signs, we recommend you have your vehicle inspected. Click Here To Schedule An Appointment
