Car Pulling to One Side?
Find Out What’s Wrong

The simplest and most common cause of pulling is uneven tyre pressures. A tyre that is significantly under-inflated on one side creates more rolling resistance — pulling the car toward that side. Always check tyre pressures before diagnosing anything more complex. This takes two minutes and costs nothing.

Incorrect wheel alignment — also called tracking — means the wheels are not pointing in the correct direction relative to each other and the road. This causes the car to pull consistently to one side. Alignment goes out from kerb strikes, pothole damage or worn suspension components. A four-wheel alignment check and adjustment takes about an hour.

A brake caliper that is partially seized applies constant braking force to one wheel — pulling the car strongly toward that side especially under braking. The affected wheel and brake area will feel significantly hotter than the opposite side after driving. This is a safety issue that needs prompt attention.

Track rod ends connect the steering rack to the wheel hub. When a track rod end wears the wheel position becomes inconsistent — causing pulling, vague steering and rapid uneven tyre wear. A worn track rod end is an MOT failure and wheel alignment cannot be set correctly until it is replaced.

A tyre with internal structural damage — from a pothole strike or manufacturing defect — can cause persistent pulling even with correct pressures and alignment. If the car pulls only after a recent tyre change or pothole impact inspect the tyres carefully for bulges or uneven wear patterns.