If your car drifts left or right when you’re driving straight, most people immediately assume one thing: wheel alignment. While alignment issues can cause pulling, they’re far from the only culprit. In fact, many Nashville drivers spend money on alignments only to find the problem still there.
At We Can Fix Your Car, we regularly diagnose vehicle pull issues that have nothing to do with alignment at all. Here’s how to tell the difference — and why getting the correct diagnosis matters.
When an Alignment Is the Problem
Alignment issues happen when your wheels aren’t positioned at the correct angles relative to the road and each other. This is common after:
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Hitting potholes (a frequent issue on Nashville roads)
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Jumping curbs
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Minor accidents
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Long-term suspension wear
Signs it’s likely alignment-related:
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Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
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Car pulls consistently in one direction on flat roads
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Uneven or rapid tire wear
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Vehicle feels unstable at highway speeds
In these cases, a professional alignment can restore proper handling and extend tire life.
When It’s Not an Alignment Issue
This is where many drivers get misled. Several mechanical problems can cause pulling — even if the alignment is technically within spec.
1. Uneven Tire Pressure
One tire with lower pressure creates rolling resistance, causing the vehicle to drift.
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Common after temperature swings (very common in Middle Tennessee)
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Often overlooked
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Easy fix — but critical to check first
2. Tire Construction or Wear Issues
Even properly inflated tires can pull if:
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One tire has internal belt separation
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Tread wear is uneven side-to-side
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Tires are mismatched brands or models
A quick tire rotation test often reveals this.
3. Brake Drag or Sticking Caliper
A brake caliper that doesn’t fully release will pull the car toward that wheel.
Warning signs include:
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Vehicle pulls more when braking
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Burning smell after driving
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One wheel hotter than the others
This is a safety issue, not just a handling annoyance.
4. Suspension or Steering Component Wear
Worn parts can change how weight transfers across the vehicle.
Common offenders:
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Ball joints
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Control arm bushings
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Tie rods
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Struts or shocks
These issues often worsen gradually, making them easy to ignore — until tire wear or safety becomes a concern.
5. Road Crown Isn’t the Real Problem
Yes, roads are crowned for drainage, but:
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Excessive pull on multiple roads
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Pulling on flat parking lots
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Pull worsening over time
…usually means something mechanical is wrong.
Why Guessing Costs More in the Long Run
Many drivers chase the symptom instead of the cause:
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Multiple alignments
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Premature tire replacement
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Ignoring brake or suspension problems
At We Can Fix Your Car, we perform a full diagnostic inspection before recommending repairs. That means:
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Measuring tire pressures and wear patterns
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Checking brake operation
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Inspecting suspension and steering components
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Verifying alignment only if necessary
Nashville Roads Are Hard on Vehicles
Potholes, heat, humidity, stop-and-go traffic — Middle Tennessee driving conditions accelerate wear faster than many drivers realize. A pulling vehicle isn’t just inconvenient; it’s often an early warning sign.
When to Get It Checked Immediately
You should schedule an inspection if:
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Pulling appeared suddenly
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Pull worsens during braking
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Steering wheel vibrates or feels loose
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Tires show uneven wear
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Vehicle feels unstable at speed
Ignoring these signs can turn a minor fix into a costly repair.
Get the Right Answer the First Time
If your car pulls to one side, don’t assume — diagnose. At We Can Fix Your Car, our Nashville auto repair team focuses on accurate answers, not guesswork, so you only fix what actually needs fixing.
Whether it’s alignment, brakes, tires, or suspension, we’ll find the real cause and help you drive safely and confidently again.