On a straight, level road, a healthy car should track straight with only light hands on the wheel. If it constantly wanders to one side, you are fighting it — and something is wearing out faster than it should.
The cause is often cheap to fix.
Rule out the road first
Most roads have a slight camber so rainwater drains to the edge, which can make cars drift gently toward the kerb. Test on a flat road, such as an empty car park, before assuming there is a fault.
Common causes
- ▸Uneven tyre pressure — the most common and easiest fix
- ▸Wheel misalignment after hitting a kerb or pothole
- ▸Uneven tyre wear, or mismatched tyres on the same axle
- ▸A sticking brake caliper, especially if the car pulls when braking
- ▸Worn suspension or steering components
Check tyre pressure
Use a gauge to check all four tyres when cold and inflate them to the pressures in your owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door. A tyre that keeps losing pressure may have a slow puncture.
Pulling when braking
If the car pulls only under braking, suspect the brakes. A sticking caliper may also make one wheel noticeably hotter than the others after a drive, and you may smell burning. Get this checked promptly.
Wheel alignment
An alignment check is inexpensive at most tyre centres. Misalignment wears tyres unevenly, so fixing it often pays for itself. Look at the inner and outer edges of the front tyres for heavier wear as a clue.
CAUTION: This is general automotive information, not professional mechanical advice. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and service schedule, and have brakes, steering, tyres, and other safety-critical systems inspected by a qualified mechanic.