Whenever you get behind the wheel of your car, you expect it to travel in a straight line and turn smoothly when you direct it. Unfortunately, a car that pulls to one side while driving is a common occurrence. There are several reasons a car may drift to the left or right, and all of them can be solved by an auto repair technician. Here's a closer look at the possible culprits. 

Why Does Your Vehicle Pull to the Side?

1. Wheel Alignment

The most likely reason a car pulls to one side is that the wheel alignment is off. The wheels and axles form a rectangle, and these lines should be straight, parallel, and at right angles to the road. 

However, over time, they naturally become misaligned through the constant vibrations and disruptions of driving. An auto repair specialist can adjust the angles to bring the wheel alignment back into proper form.

2. Tire Pressure

The amount of air in the tires affects their height. If one or more tires are under- or overinflated, your car may feel like it's unbalanced or leaning in one direction. 

Once every few weeks, it's wise to check the recommended pressure in the owner's manual and fill the tires as necessary. If they're continually losing air, there may be a deeper problem, such as a puncture or crack.

3. Suspension

If part of the suspension system, such as a spring or damper, is broken or worn, it could be the culprit behind your car pulling to one side. Your car's suspension system is what gives you a smooth, comfortable ride. It controls how the car handles on the road and absorbs shock, so the springs and shocks should be assessed if you're not experiencing a straight handling experience.  

4. Brakes

A car will sometimes pull to the side when the brake pedal is engaged. In this case, it's likely that you have a damaged brake component, such as a seized-up caliper, a collapsed brake hose, slide-pin problems, or unevenly worn brake pads. Since brake problems can cause particularly dangerous driving conditions, it's wise to have them addressed by a professional at your earliest convenience.

If your car is pulling to the side, get help from the experts at Brown's Transmission & Full Service Auto Repair. They have provided quality auto repair work to customers in Newark and Licking County, OH, since 1959. Now in its third generation of family ownership, the shop features state-of-the-art equipment for diagnostics, and the trained technicians have the knowledge necessary to work on any make and model of vehicle, both foreign and domestic. They offer everything from routine maintenance to wheel alignment and brake service. Call (740) 522-4459 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.