When your vehicle starts drifting to one side while driving, it can be frustrating and, more importantly, unsafe. Whether it happens gradually or suddenly, a car that won’t track straight needs attention. Problems ranging from uneven tire wear to alignment issues can cause this behavior, and ignoring it can make things worse over time.

If you’re driving around Marietta, Kennesaw, or Woodstock, keeping your car stable is essential for both safety and comfort. Understanding the common causes helps you spot issues early and prevent unnecessary repairs.

Uneven Tire Wear

Tires play a major role in keeping your vehicle balanced and under control. When tread wears unevenly, it can cause your car to pull toward the side with less grip. Uneven wear often happens when tires aren’t rotated on schedule or if air pressure isn’t maintained properly.

Regularly checking tire pressure and rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles keeps tread wear even and improves stability. If the tires are already showing significant imbalance, replacement may be the best option to restore proper handling.

Alignment Problems

Wheel alignment is one of the most common reasons vehicles drift to one side. If the wheels are slightly angled inward or outward, even by a small amount, your car will naturally pull. This often happens after hitting potholes, curbs, or other road hazards.

Signs of poor alignment include pulling, uneven tire wear, and a steering wheel that isn’t centered when driving straight. Getting an alignment check ensures the wheels are positioned correctly, restoring control and improving tire life.

Brake System Issues

Brake problems can also cause your vehicle to veer. A sticking caliper or uneven brake pad wear can make one wheel slow down more than the others, forcing the car to pull when braking.

If you notice the pulling gets worse when slowing down, the braking system is likely the cause. Our technicians can inspect the pads, rotors, and calipers to find the source and resolve the issue before it leads to further damage.

Suspension and Steering Components

Worn or damaged suspension parts, such as ball joints, control arms, or tie rods, affect how your car handles and can make it drift unexpectedly. Similarly, issues within the steering rack can cause the wheel to favor one direction.

Because suspension components wear gradually, drivers sometimes get used to subtle changes without realizing how much handling has declined. Routine inspections help catch these issues before they turn into major safety concerns.

Road Conditions and Tire Mismatches

Not all pulling is caused by mechanical issues. Roads that slope to one side naturally guide vehicles in that direction. However, if the problem persists on flat, even pavement, it may point to mismatched tires.

Using different brands, tread patterns, or sizes on the same axle can cause uneven rolling resistance, which affects balance. Ensuring all four tires match improves stability and makes your vehicle easier to control.

Preventing Future Pulling Issues

Staying on top of regular maintenance is the best way to prevent steering and stability problems. This includes:

• Rotating and balancing tires on schedule
• Checking air pressure monthly
• Scheduling alignment checks after hitting potholes or curbs
• Inspecting brakes, steering, and suspension components during routine services

These small steps help keep your car tracking straight and reduce wear on other critical parts.

Keep Your Vehicle Handling Smoothly at D.W. Campbell Tire & Service

At D.W. Campbell Tire & Service, with locations in Marietta, Kennesaw, and Woodstock, GA, we provide expert inspections and repairs to address any issue that causes your vehicle to pull. From wheel alignments and tire services to brake and suspension repairs, our technicians know how to keep your car stable and safe on the road.

Schedule your appointment today and let us help you restore confidence in your vehicle’s handling.

Cobb Pkwy

1930 Cobb Parkway Southeast, Marietta, Georgia 30060

Powers Ferry

1291 Powers Ferry Road Southeast, Marietta, Georgia 30067

Professional Way

1906 Professional Parkway, Woodstock, Georgia 30188

Busbee Pkwy

2970 George Busbee Parkway Northwest, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144

Canton Rd

3330 Canton Road, Marietta, Georgia 30066