Car Pulling Problems? It could it be the Wheel Alignment!

If your car is pulling to the left or right, it could be one or more of several different causes. Improper wheel alignment is just one cause, and actually not the most common. A car alignment technician will check out several things before actually performing a wheel alignment.

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Causes of steering problems:

• Road Crown -- If your car pulls to the side only on certain roads; it may be the "road crown." Roads are never built perfectly level, but are intentionally designed to slant about 1/2" per foot which allows the rain to drain off. However, it will also cause a vehicle to pull slightly in the direction of the slant. A skilled wheel alignment technician will offset the car alignment very slightly to allow for a road crown.
• Conicity – Conicity is when the belts are not perfectly aligned under the tread of the tire, causing the tire to inflate in a cone-shape. This defect causes a hard pull in one direction, and is a result of poor manufacturing. Properly aligned belts inflate squarely, across the tread. This type of pull gets worse as the vehicle travels faster.
• Belt Separation – Air can force the belts to separate from the tire carcass. This is dangerous, causing the tire to fail unexpectedly. A shake or shimmy may also develop, especially noticeable at low speeds.
• Air pressure – When air pressure is lower on one side, the height of the tire changes—also changing the wheel alignment. An under- inflated tire has more rolling resistance, making the pull more noticeable. A low rear tire can also change front wheel alignment, causing a pull.
• Tread Pattern -- Different tire brands, or even the same brand with different wear patterns, do not have the same rolling characteristic. For instance, 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. Replacing tires in pairs is ideal, generally on the rear of the vehicle.
• Tire Rotation – A pull may be noticed after rotating tires. A mismatched tire may have previously been on the rear. When rotated to the front, the problem will be noticeable. Leaving it on the rear may be the best solution if the tire is safe to operate.
• Brakes -- A brake problem or a loose suspension component may cause a pull only when braking. With a sticking caliper, wheel cylinder or even a hydraulic fault, one brake may remain applied, causing the vehicle to drift in the direction of the problem, and for the brake to overheat. A burning smell, combined with a pull, might suggest a brake-related pull.
• Worn suspension -- Worn suspension parts may also shift position when the brakes are applied. When the brake is released, a quick pull may be noticed.

Tip: Find a reliable auto shop that will check the above items before trying to sell you an unnecessary wheel alignment job!

Wondering if you need a car alignment? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com for more information. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.