My car pulls to one side when I drive
Most of the time it is alignment, a tire that is low, or a tire that wore unevenly. If it only pulls when you brake, a brake caliper is usually sticking. Potholes hidden under rain water and a hard hit on a curb knock alignment out fast.
Urgency
This week is fine
What to do right now
What to do right now
- 1Check all four tire pressures with a gauge and fill them to the number on the driver door sticker.
- 2Notice if it pulls all the time, only when braking, or only on certain roads. Some Miami streets slope toward the drain and can fool you.
- 3Look at your front tires. Wear on just the inside or outside edge is a sign of alignment trouble.
What it usually is
What it usually is
Wheel alignment
The most common fix. A pothole or curb can shift the angles, which makes the car drift and eats tires on one edge.
See the serviceTires
A tire with a shifted belt or uneven wear can pull the car even when alignment is perfect. We swap sides to test it.
See the serviceBrake repair
If the pull shows up when you brake, a caliper on one side is grabbing harder or not letting go.
See the serviceQuestions people ask
Can a low tire make my car pull?
Yes. A tire a few pounds low on one side is enough to make the car drift. Heat changes pressure too, so check them in the morning before you drive.
How do I know if I need an alignment?
The car drifts on a flat road, the steering wheel sits crooked when you drive straight, or your tires wear on one edge. Any of those, get it checked.
Should I get an alignment when I buy new tires?
It is a good idea. New tires on a bad alignment can wear out much sooner. We check it and tell you if it is needed.
Is it safe to keep driving?
A light pull is not an emergency, but it wears tires and makes long runs on the Palmetto tiring. A strong pull, or one that started after hitting something hard, should be checked this week.