If you drive down the road and notice that you're having to hold the steering wheel further to one side than the other to keep your car straight, that's a sign that your car is pulling to one side. Another common indication of this type of pull is if your car drifts to one side or the other consistently when you take your hands off the wheel on a straight stretch of road. You might think that there's nothing you can do about your car pulling to one side, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Not only can you resolve this problem, but you should for your safety and for the longevity of your car. Here's a look at some of the most common reasons why your car might be pulling to one side.

Check Your Tire Pressure

One of the simplest problems that can cause your car to pull to one side is a tire on that side that is lower on air than the rest of them. Check your tire pressure, especially in your front tires, to see if the pull is caused by a low tire. Even a pound or two of air pressure can affect the handling of your car, so don't dismiss it. Add air if necessary to ensure that all four tires are equally inflated.

Examine Your Tire Tread

Another common cause of a car pulling to one side is a marked difference in the tread on one tire compared to the one opposite it. Like tire pressure, this is most commonly an issue in the front tires of the car compared to the rear ones. Check the tread on the tires and compare their depth. If one tire is worn significantly more than the one on the opposite side, that's a common reason for your car to be pulling. You'll have to replace the tires to restore equal tread depth, then have your car assessed by an auto repair shop to determine the source of the uneven wear.

Have Your Alignment And Suspension Assessed

If you've ruled out tire pressure and tread issues as the source of the problem, you'll need to reach out to your local auto repair technician to have the alignment and suspension inspected. When the cause isn't a tire pressure or tread problem, it could be caused by a misalignment or a worn or damaged component in your suspension. Your auto repair technician can help you by checking and adjusting your alignment or replacing the damaged suspension components.

These are some of the most common reasons for your car to be pulling to one side. Reach out to your auto repair technician today for more help.