Two Reasons Why Your Car May Pull to One Side
Does your car pull to one side when you are driving? This can be very disconcerting and, in some circumstances, dangerous, so you'll want to get to the bottom of the problem before you go too much further. Why could this be happening, and what should you do?
Tyre Problems
Firstly, determine what you're doing when this symptom becomes evident. Are you accelerating or coasting? If so, there's a chance that the issue is connected to tyre wear. It will become increasingly evident if you have just fitted a new cover to one of your front wheels, perhaps because of a puncture. The new tyre will have a lot of tread depth and will be able to "grip" the ground more effectively than the other tyres.
You should always put two fresh tyres on a given axle to neutralise this effect in an ideal world. So, when you take your punctured tyre in to be replaced, it's best to get another fresh tyre and put that on the opposite side at the front of the car. As a rule of thumb, it is best to have fresher tyres on the front rather than the rear due to the steering forces involved.
Brake System Problems
if the problem occurs when you are braking and you have not fitted any new tyres, then it is likely associated with the braking system. In this case, the brakes on one side are working more effectively than the other, causing the vehicle to veer off to the side. This could be caused by a fault within the caliper, or the friction pads may have worn down more quickly on one corner than the other.
When you put your foot on the brake pedal, fluid is sent under pressure to each corner of the vehicle. This hydraulic fluid will activate a pair of pistons that are housed in each caliper, and these pistons will grab the rotary disc attached to the wheel. If there is any inconsistency in this action, you will certainly notice it, and you may also feel some vibration through the ball of your foot whenever you activate the pedal.
Expert Advice
If you are not sure why the vehicle is pulling to one side and the above reasons may not seem valid in your case, you'll undoubtedly need to talk to a mechanic. They will check out the braking system from a safety point of view, so you can continue to drive without any worry.
Make an appointment with a car mechanic to learn more.
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