Lowering the car after changing the tyres – what could cause a problem?
Every day, after having their tyres changed, drivers set off on their journeys expecting their car to run smoothly and quietly. Sometimes, however, after just a few metres, the steering wheel starts to ‘pull’ slightly and the car veers off course. This is frustrating and tiring, and at higher speeds it can also be dangerous.
The good news is that it’s usually a minor issue that can be diagnosed quickly. In this article, we explain what typically causes the car to pull to one side after a tyre change, how to check for it, and what steps to take to get the car driving straight again.
Why does the car start to pull to one side after changing the tyres?
This is most often due to differences in tyres, tyre pressure, wheel alignment or fitting errors.
During a tyre change, several factors are altered simultaneously: the tyres, the rims, the wheel positions, the tyre pressure and the positioning of the centring rings. Even a slight difference in lateral forces between the left and right sides is enough to cause the vehicle to pull to one side. This can be caused by tyre taper, uneven tyre pressure, incorrect fitting direction, poor wheel alignment, a seized brake caliper, a warped wheel rim or uneven tightening torque on the bolts. It also happens that replacing tyres ‘exposes’ a pre-existing suspension problem.
Can uneven tyre pressure cause the car to pull to one side?
Yes. Even a slight difference in tyre pressure between the left and right sides can cause the car to pull to one side.
After changing tyres, the pressure is sometimes set ‘by eye’ or the tyres are still warm from driving. Air expands and contracts, so compare the readings on cold tyres. Stick to the figures on the vehicle’s specification plate. Tyre pressure that is too low or too high affects rolling resistance and tyre profile, which in turn affects the car’s handling. If your car has TPMS sensors, check that they aren’t reporting an error. If in doubt, adjusting the tyre pressure is the first, quickest test.
How does incorrect toe-in adjustment affect tyre wear?
Poor wheel alignment causes the wheels to ‘point’ in different directions and the car veers off course.
Toe, camber and caster affect tyre stability and wear. Hitting a kerb or a pothole can throw the wheel alignment out of alignment. After changing tyres, the problem is often more noticeable, as new tyres transmit forces more precisely. Correct wheel alignment restores predictable handling and protects the tread from uneven wear.
Does an uneven tread or mixing different types of tyres make any difference?
Yes. Different types, brands or levels of wear on the left and right sides can cause the tyres to pull.
Tyres with different tread patterns and compounds generate different lateral forces. A similar effect occurs when directional tyres are fitted in the opposite direction to the arrow on the sidewall. Pulling may also result from very uneven tread wear between the axles. It is good practice to fit identical tyres in pairs on a single axle and to check the direction of rotation. Under the right conditions, new tyres are usually fitted to the rear axle to improve stability.
Could the brakes or brake discs cause the car to pull to one side after the wheels have been replaced?
Yes. A seized caliper or a warped disc causes the car to pull to one side whilst driving and when braking.
If the car pulls only when braking, the problem is often with the disc or the brake pad. If it also pulls when not braking, one caliper may be clamping the wheel. Signs of this include a hot wheel rim, a burnt smell or more dust on one side. After fitting the wheels, the guide plates or the brake hose may also have shifted. It is worth checking that the guides move freely, the condition of the brake pads and discs, and that the braking force is even.
Does tightening the bolts at the wrong time affect the car’s handling?
Yes. Tightening the wheel too tightly or unevenly affects the wheel’s fit and may cause it to wobble.
Excessive torque can deform the brake disc and cause the steering wheel to wobble. Uneven tightening of the bolts can cause the wheel to become misaligned, particularly with wheels that require centring rings. The bolts should be tightened in a cross-pattern using a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s specified torque. If there is a problem with the lock nut, it can be loosened temporarily using a special tool, following procedures that minimise the risk of damage, and then refitted correctly.
Can a faulty bearing or suspension cause the car to pull to one side?
Yes. Play or increased resistance on one side causes the car to pull to one side.
A worn bearing makes a humming noise, and the sound gets louder as speed increases and when cornering. Worn tie-rod ends, pins or bushings alter the geometry under load. After changing the tyres, the car is often quieter, so old rattles and play become more noticeable. Checking the steering and suspension restores driving precision and reduces pull.
How do you balance and check the wheels to rule out wheel wobble?
The wheels must be balanced accurately and checked for run-out and tyre uniformity.
Standard static balancing is often not enough. Road test balancing, which measures the forces acting on the wheel whilst driving, can help. It is also worth checking the radial and lateral runout of the rim, the condition of the centring rings and whether the rim is correctly seated on the hub. If a tyre shows significant taper, it can be swapped round on the axle or the tyre can be matched to the rim.
- Have your wheels dynamically balanced and remove the old weights.
- Check the run-out of the rims and straighten them if necessary.
- Check the direction and side of the tyres.
- Check the TPMS sensors and valves.
- Once fitted, carry out a test drive and make any necessary adjustments.
What should you do straight away if your car starts to pull to one side?
Pull over somewhere safe, check the basics and book a service.
To start with, check the tyre pressure on cold tyres and the tyre alignment. If possible, inspect the rims to see if anything is rubbing against them. Do you only notice the car pulling to one side when braking? That’s a sign you need to have your brakes checked. Constant pulling to one side when not braking suggests differences in your tyres, tyre pressure or wheel alignment. Don’t delay your visit, as the problem increases tyre wear and compromises safety. Our service centre offers comprehensive diagnostics and repairs to quickly restore your driving comfort.
If the car pulls to one side after a tyre change, this is a sign that the wheels are out of balance. A quick check of tyre pressure and the direction of fit is often enough. If the problem recurs, a diagnosis of the wheel alignment, wheels and brakes is required. A car in good working order handles smoothly and predictably, giving you peace of mind both in everyday driving and on longer journeys.
Get in touch with us 24-hour tyre repair in Warsaw, and we’ll check the alignment, tyre pressure and wheels, and restore stable handling.