Why does my car pull to one side when I drive?

A car that drifts or pulls to one side on a flat road usually has uneven tire pressure, a tire defect, or wheels that are out of alignment. Pulling that only happens during braking points to a stuck caliper or brake hose.

Cost range: $5–$500. Severity: low. Safe to drive? Yes, but get it aligned soon — uneven tire wear can ruin a $400+ set of tires within a few thousand miles.

Most likely causes

1. Uneven tire pressure — Check all four tires cold against the door-jamb spec. Free first step. ($0–$5, common)
2. Wheels out of alignment — Common after hitting a pothole or curb. Look for inner/outer tire wear and an off-center steering wheel. ($80–$200, common)
3. Tire defect (broken belt or pull) — Swap left-right front tires — if the pull moves, it's a tire. Defective tire usually replaced under warranty. ($0–$300, less common)
4. Stuck brake caliper (pull only when braking) — One front rotor runs much hotter than the other after a drive. Caliper rebuild or replacement. ($300–$800, less common)
5. Worn suspension component — Worn ball joint, control arm bushing, or tie rod can cause a steady pull. ($200–$700, less common)