DIFFERENT TREAD PATTERNS
Every tyre is manufactured with a certain tread pattern. Different brands and even different tyres from the same brand will have different tread patterns which don't have the same wear and rolling characteristics.
Something as simple as replacing one tyre in a set with one that doesn't match could cause a pull, especially if that tyre is on the front. It's advisable to always try to change tyres in pairs and place the new ones on the rear axle.
TYRE CONICITY
When the steel belts (under the tread of the tyre) aren't perfectly aligned, the tread rubber can harden in a slight cone shape causing tyre conicity. As you might expect, a tyre that isn't completely cylindrical will cause a pull.
Fortunately, it’s an easy problem to see with the naked eye and is very apparent straight away in new tyres. Most warranties will also provide cover for tyre conicity, so you can get a replacement free of charge.
Car Pulls To One Side And The Steering Wheel Shakes
A shaky steering wheel and a car that pulls to the left or right is doubly annoying and indicates that the problem is either to do with wheel balancing or just a bad tyre.
WHEEL BALANCING
Wheel balancing is not the same as wheel alignment. To ensure that weight is distributed evenly around the entire wheel, small balancing weights and counter weights are added to the rim.
An unbalanced wheel will cause the tyre to vibrate which then causes the steering wheel to shake. If there's too much weight on one side of the wheel, it can cause the car to pull to that side as well as shaking the steering wheel.
TYRE SEPARATION
Similar to tyre conicity, sometimes tyres are just manufacturered poorly which can mean they don't roll smoothly or in a straight line. Tyre separation occurs when air has forced the steel belts to separate from the tyre frame.
Typically, you can spot tyre separation at low speeds because the wheel and steering wheel will start to shake or shimmy. Tyre separation is potentially very dangerous because it can cause the tyre to completely fail unexpectedly.
If you feel any of the tyres or the steering wheel start to shake, get a professional mechanic to take a look as soon as possible.
Fixing Your Car's Steering Pull At Dowleys Garage
Here at Dowleys Garage, we have qualified technicians that can diagnose the reason your vehicle is pulling to one side. Using the latest equipment, we can implement a repair whether you need a wheel alignment and balancing or replacement suspension parts..
We're proud members of the Trust My Garage Scheme so you can be sure that any work we carry out is in the best interests of your safety. Head over to our Carterton Tyres Centre for more information about the services we provide.