There are various reasons your car may be pulling or drifting to the one side of the road or the other while driving on a straight and level road. An improper car alignment could be just one of many causes. Before actually performing a wheel alignment service, an experienced auto mechanic will check out other issues, such as:
- Road Crown -- Roads are generally not built perfectly level, but are intentionally designed to slant to allow water drainage. However, it will cause slight pulling in the direction of the slant. A skilled wheel alignment technician will offset the car alignment very slightly to allow for that slant.
- Conicity – Properly aligned belts inflate squarely, across the tread. Conicity is when the belts are not perfectly aligned under the tread, causing the tire to inflate in a cone-shape. This defect causes a hard pull in one direction and will be more noticeable at faster speeds. This defect is typically a result of poor manufacturing.
- Belt Separation – Air can force the belts to separate from the tire carcass. A shake or shimmy may develop, especially noticeable at low speeds. This is a dangerous situation, causing the tire to fail unexpectedly while driving.
- Air pressure – When air pressure is low, the height of the tire changes, acting like a wheel alignment problem. The tire has more rolling resistance as well, making the pull more noticeable.
- Tread Pattern -- Different tire brands, or even the same brand with different wear patterns, do not have the same rolling characteristic. Replace your tires in pairs, generally on the rear of your vehicle. Replacing one tire in a set, or putting a new tire on the front with an older tire, may cause a pull to the side.
- Tire Rotation – A pull may be noticed after rotating tires. A mismatched tire may have previously been on the rear and when placed on the front, becomes a problem. If the tire is safe, the best solution to the problem is just to leave it on the rear.
- Brakes -- A brake problem or a loose suspension component may cause a pull only when braking, indicated by a burning smell combined with a pull.
- Worn suspension -- Worn suspension parts may shift position when the brakes are applied. When the brake is released, a quick pull may be noticed.
Attention Drivers: A reliable auto shop will check all of the above issues before performing an unnecessary wheel alignment job!
Wondering if you need a car alignment? Contact the ASE-Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive shop by calling (308) 381-2295 or go on-line at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information about steering problems. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
There are various reasons your car may be pulling or drifting to the one side of the road or the other while driving on a straight and level road. An improper car alignment could be just one of many causes. Before actually performing a wheel alignment service, an experienced auto mechanic will check out other issues, such as:
- Road Crown -- Roads are generally not built perfectly level, but are intentionally designed to slant to allow water drainage. However, it will cause slight pulling in the direction of the slant. A skilled wheel alignment technician will offset the car alignment very slightly to allow for that slant.
- Conicity – Properly aligned belts inflate squarely, across the tread. Conicity is when the belts are not perfectly aligned under the tread, causing the tire to inflate in a cone-shape. This defect causes a hard pull in one direction and will be more noticeable at faster speeds. This defect is typically a result of poor manufacturing.
- Belt Separation – Air can force the belts to separate from the tire carcass. A shake or shimmy may develop, especially noticeable at low speeds. This is a dangerous situation, causing the tire to fail unexpectedly while driving.
- Air pressure – When air pressure is low, the height of the tire changes, acting like a wheel alignment problem. The tire has more rolling resistance as well, making the pull more noticeable.
- Tread Pattern -- Different tire brands, or even the same brand with different wear patterns, do not have the same rolling characteristic. Replace your tires in pairs, generally on the rear of your vehicle. Replacing one tire in a set, or putting a new tire on the front with an older tire, may cause a pull to the side.
- Tire Rotation – A pull may be noticed after rotating tires. A mismatched tire may have previously been on the rear and when placed on the front, becomes a problem. If the tire is safe, the best solution to the problem is just to leave it on the rear.
- Brakes -- A brake problem or a loose suspension component may cause a pull only when braking, indicated by a burning smell combined with a pull.
- Worn suspension -- Worn suspension parts may shift position when the brakes are applied. When the brake is released, a quick pull may be noticed.
Attention Drivers: A reliable auto shop will check all of the above issues before performing an unnecessary wheel alignment job!
Wondering if you need a car alignment? Contact the ASE-Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive shop by calling (308) 381-2295 or go on-line at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information about steering problems. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
