Why Is My Car Pulling to One Side When Driving?

15 November 2025 · 5 min read

Check tyre pressures first

The most common cause of a car pulling to one side is uneven tyre pressures. A tyre significantly lower than its pair on the other side causes the car to pull toward the underinflated side. Check all four tyres with a gauge when cold — before any driving, or after no more than a mile. Inflate to the manufacturer-specified pressure and see whether the pulling resolves.

If pressures are correct and even, or the pulling returns shortly after correcting them, the cause is mechanical. The most likely candidates are wheel alignment, a tyre fault such as a broken belt or uneven wear, or a braking issue.

Wheel alignment and tracking

Wheel alignment — sometimes called tracking — is the angle at which the tyres sit relative to the road and to each other. A hit against a kerb, a pothole, or any significant impact can knock the geometry out. Even a small misalignment causes the car to pull consistently to one side and produces accelerated tyre wear on the inside or outside edge of the affected tyre.

Alignment issues do not resolve themselves. A wheel alignment check takes around 30 minutes on our four-wheel alignment equipment and shows exactly where the geometry is out and what needs adjusting. If the car has had a recent impact or if tyre wear is uneven, alignment is the most likely cause of the pull.

Brake drag — the most urgent cause

A car that pulls specifically under braking — rather than during normal driving — usually has an uneven braking fault. A seized brake caliper on one side holds the pad in partial contact with the disc, then applies significantly more force than the opposite side when the pedal is pressed. This causes a pull that is most noticeable when braking from speed.

Brake drag is also accompanied by heat from the affected wheel, accelerated wear on that tyre, and sometimes a burning smell after a run. It is a safety issue that needs prompt attention. Call us on 07494 990846 and we will inspect the brakes and alignment and give you a clear picture of the cause before any work is agreed.

Book a wheel alignment check in Brierley Hill →

Need help with your car?

Talk to the team at Nick and Stefan Motor Works in Brierley Hill — honest advice and a straightforward booking.

Call 07494 990846