A car that drifts left or right on its own, even when you're holding the wheel straight, is a common enough complaint that it can be tempting to assume it's always the alignment. It often is — but not always.
Alignment
Misalignment is the most common cause of a car pulling to one side on a flat, smooth road. When the wheel angles are off specification, the vehicle naturally tracks toward one side rather than straight ahead.
Uneven Tire Pressure or Wear
A significant difference in tire pressure between the left and right sides — or uneven wear from a long-standing alignment issue — can cause a pull even if the alignment itself is currently fine. Checking tire pressure is a quick, worthwhile first step.
Brake-Related Pulling
If the pulling happens specifically when you brake, rather than all the time, a sticking caliper on one side is a more likely cause than alignment. A caliper that isn't releasing properly causes one wheel to brake harder than the other, pulling the car toward that side.
Suspension Components
Worn suspension or steering components — a bad control arm bushing, for example — can also cause a pull, and often need to be repaired before an alignment will hold correctly.
Pulling all the time points toward alignment; pulling specifically under braking points toward the brakes. Either way, it's worth having diagnosed rather than compensating by fighting the wheel.
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