Why might a vehicle pull to one side?

A vehicle may pull to one side primarily due to misalignment in the suspension or worn steering components. When the suspension components are not properly aligned, the angles of the wheels can become uneven, causing one side to have more grip or contact with the road. This uneven contact results in the vehicle naturally steering towards the side with less resistance.

Additionally, worn steering components, such as tie rods or ball joints, can also contribute to this problem by failing to maintain proper wheel positioning and control as the vehicle drives. This can lead to instability, allowing external forces—such as road conditions or even slight steering inputs—to induce a pull to one side of the vehicle.

While tire issues, such as uneven tread wear or damage, can also cause pulling, the specifics of the question point more directly to the underlying mechanical conditions affecting alignment and steering, which are key factors in vehicle handling dynamics. Therefore, misalignment and worn components are often primary culprits in this scenario.