Start with the tires
A meaningful pressure difference, tire damage, uneven wear, or differences in tire construction can make a vehicle drift or pull. Tires should be inspected and pressures corrected before more complex conclusions are made.
Road crown can create a mild drift
Many roads slope slightly for drainage. A small tendency to follow that slope is not the same as a strong pull that requires continuous steering correction. Testing on more than one road can help separate the two.
Alignment is a common cause, but not the only cause
Toe, camber, caster, and thrust-angle conditions can affect tracking depending on the vehicle design. Alignment measurements show whether the wheel angles are within specification.
A pull during braking deserves brake inspection
If the car tracks normally until the brakes are applied, brake force, calipers, hoses, tires, and suspension become important. Tell the shop whether the pull is present all the time or only during braking.
Worn steering or suspension can change alignment dynamically
A vehicle can measure one way while stationary but move differently under load if bushings, joints, tie rods, bearings, or other components have excessive play.
Recent impacts are important history
Potholes, curbs, road debris, and collisions can affect wheels, tires, steering, suspension, or alignment. Mention any recent impact if the pull began suddenly afterward.
The correct repair follows the cause
Sometimes the answer is an alignment. Other times a tire, brake, or worn mechanical part must be addressed first. Diagnosing the source prevents an alignment from becoming an expensive guess.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this issue.
Can low tire pressure make my car pull?
Yes. A meaningful pressure difference or tire problem can change how the vehicle tracks.
Why does the car pull only when I brake?
Brake force differences, tires, steering, or suspension can contribute. That symptom should be inspected rather than treated as a routine alignment.
Will an alignment fix worn suspension?
No. Worn or loose mechanical parts should be repaired before alignment settings can be expected to remain stable.