Cause 1: Wheel alignment
Alignment sets your wheels to the manufacturer’s recommended positions. A pothole or a curb can knock them out, and the car starts to drift or the steering wheel sits off-center when you’re going straight. You’ll often see uneven wear on the inside or outside edge of the front tires too. Wheel alignment testing is one of our free services.
Cause 2: Tire pressure or tire wear
A tire that’s low on one side makes the car pull toward it. So can a tire that’s worn differently from its partner on the other side. Check pressures against the sticker in your door jamb, and keep wear even with regular tire rotation. Our free tire inspection looks for wear, damage and incorrect pressure.
Cause 3: A dragging brake
If the car pulls mainly when you brake — or you notice one wheel is much hotter or dustier than the others — a caliper may be sticking. That’s a safety issue. See brake repair and squealing brakes: what the noise means.
Cause 4: Steering or suspension wear
Worn steering or suspension parts can let the wheels wander. Our free multi-point inspection includes steering components.
What about a vibration?
A shake in the wheel at highway speed is usually a balancing issue rather than alignment. Road Force Balancing finds problems ordinary balancers miss. The difference between the three tire services is explained in Tire rotation vs. balancing vs. alignment.
Call 919-286-1167 or schedule an appointment — we’re open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at 1907 West Markham Avenue, right off Ninth Street.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive a car that pulls to one side?
A mild pull from alignment isn’t an emergency, but it wears tires and should be checked. A pull that happens when braking may be a brake problem and should be looked at right away.
Is wheel alignment testing free at Neal’s Garage?
Yes. Wheel alignment testing is one of Neal’s Garage’s free services, along with battery testing, tire inspection and brake inspection.
