A Not-So-Straight Story (Vehicle Pulls to One Side)
February 9, 2025
A vehicle should travel straight down a straight road with the steering wheel centered. But time and travel can take their toll and soon you may find your vehicle pulling to the left or right. Those are not good signs and should be taken care of fairly quickly.
One thing that you should note is when this is happening: if it is all the time, only when you brake, only when you accelerate. If you describe these symptoms to the service adviser or technician, it may help them pinpoint the cause more quickly.
Many things can cause a vehicle to pull to one side, one of which is that it's out of alignment. If so, you could be doing damage to other components of your vehicle if you keep driving with it this way. If your tires show signs of uneven wear on the treads or if your wheels squealing, that is another clue.
Improperly inflated tires can also cause your vehicle to pull in one direction. Your service facility can check to see if your tires have the pressure recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.
When steering linkage wears out or a wheel bearing goes bad, both of those can cause a vehicle not to track straight. When components age and loosen up, they can present a safety hazard and premature tire wearing.
Maybe you notice the pulling only when you are braking. That points to a failure of your braking system, perhaps a sticky brake caliper.
When your vehicle was brand new, it went straight unless you guided it on a different path. It's best to have it checked out if it is showing some of these symptoms. It could save you money in the long run and you'll be driving a safer, better performing vehicle. That's what they mean by steering you right!
Charlie's Fast Lube Perryville
701 S. Perryville Ave
Perryville, Missouri 63775
575-517-0022
http://www.charliesfastlubeperryville.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Perryville

Don't be Fuelish (Signs Fuel Pump is Failing)
March 15, 2026
A driver of a large SUV loaded with equipment was heading on a 7-hour work trip when he stopped at a gas station to refuel. When he went to restart his SUV, it turned over but wouldn't catch. Try as he might, he was never able to get it started again. Of course there are many things that can c... More

That Squeal is Telling You Something (What Causes Squealing While Steering)
March 8, 2026
If you hear a squealing noise when you turn your vehicle, it's trying to tell you something is wrong. After all, it never made that noise before, right? The sound you hear may becoming from a few sources. Let's take a look (or a listen) to some of the possibilities. First, you almost certainl... More

Don't Miss a Beat (Importance of Regular Maintenance)
March 1, 2026
In many places, license plates have to be renewed every year or else you can't drive your vehicle legally. Usually, you'll get a reminder from the agency that issues the plates. That kind of regular attention needs to be paid to your vehicle as well. Its manufacturer has determined a schedule o... More
