Car pulls to one side

A steady pull on a flat road is alignment, tyre pressure or a dragging brake. Which one depends on whether it happens only under braking.

Fix this week

Likely causes, most common first

Alignment out of spec

Cheapest thing to rule out first.

Wheel alignment: $65–$275 in the US

Uneven tyre pressure or a damaged tyre

Check cold pressures before anything else.

Tyre replacement: $180–$900 in the US

Sticking brake caliper

That wheel will be noticeably hotter after a drive.

Brake pad replacement: $110–$455 in the US

Worn control-arm bushings

Pull usually comes with a clunk over bumps.

Checks to run first

  1. 1.Set all tyres to placard pressure and retest
  2. 2.Feel each wheel for heat after a drive
  3. 3.Swap front tyres side to side — if the pull swaps, it is the tyre

Frequently asked questions

Why does my car pull to the right while driving?
A steady pull on a flat road is alignment, tyre pressure or a dragging brake. Which one depends on whether it happens only under braking.
Is it safe to drive with this?
Short local trips are usually fine, but the fault will get worse and often damages other parts if you leave it.
How much does it cost to fix?
The most likely repair is wheel alignment, which runs $65–$275 in the US including labour, or $0–$25 in parts if you fit it yourself.

Suspension & steering parts

Shocks, struts, control arms, bushings and bearings

Find parts that fit

Year, make, model, trim — then only parts that fit your car.

Other symptoms