6 ways to handle a car that's veering off course.
A car's steering deviation is a technical fault that seriously affects the safe operation of the vehicle. Below are 6 of the most common steering deviation cases and how to handle them.
1. The wheel is misaligned.
After a period of use, wheel alignment will inevitably become somewhat inaccurate. Additionally, wheel misalignment can occur due to traffic accidents, road conditions, or the owner's failure to adhere to regular maintenance schedules. This causes the steering wheel to pull to the left or right, not following the correct direction of rotation while the driver is operating the vehicle, or the steering wheel may remain engaged even after the driver has released the steering wheel. This is one of the most common causes of steering wheel misalignment, leading to driver fatigue due to the need for frequent steering adjustments. Furthermore, misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear, reducing tire lifespan and potentially leading to loss of control due to wheel misalignment.
How to adjust the steering angle:
Keep the steering wheel straight. Secure the steering wheel and turn off the engine. Next, use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts under the steering wheel to remove the airbag. Be very careful not to pull the airbag wire.
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the bolts under the airbag to remove the steering wheel, carefully pulling it off the shaft. Remember the shaft's edges for easier reassembly later.
Reattach the steering wheel to the axle with the wheel now positioned vertically as it was originally. To ensure the steering wheel is aligned with the wheel, it must be positioned horizontally. Except for some luxury cars with a steering wheel alignment function, simply align the steering wheel until the angle displayed on the screen is zero.
Finally, take the car for a test drive and see if everything feels right. If not, you can disassemble it and readjust it from scratch.
2. Uneven tire pressure
Une uneven tire pressure can cause wheel misalignment, especially in tires on opposite sides. If the tire is worn around the edges, it means the tire pressure is too high; if it's worn around the outer edge, it means there's too little pressure.
Inspect and fix any steering misalignment issues as soon as possible. (Illustrative image)
To remedy this, drivers need to equip themselves with tire pressure monitoring tools such as gauges or sensors to regularly monitor and adjust tire pressure to the correct standard levels as stated in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door frame.
3. Faulty steering or suspension system.
Some parts of a car's suspension and steering system, including struts, strut bearings, and ball joints, will wear out or become damaged after a period of use, causing the car to not follow the direction of the driver's steering wheel turn. This phenomenon is called "memory steer," meaning that after turning, the car continues to move in one direction.
To ensure safe driving, vehicle owners need to regularly maintain and service the components of their car's suspension and steering systems.
4. The wheel bearing is damaged.
Automotive wheel bearings, also known as ball bearings, play a crucial role in reducing friction, increasing load capacity, and positioning rotating components, ensuring smooth operation and extending wheel lifespan. If wheel bearings wear out or become damaged after a period of use, noise will emanate from around the wheels during operation. Additionally, it can cause steering wheel vibration, leading to vehicle misalignment.
If you notice these signs, the vehicle owner should check for any problems and immediately take the car to a garage for maintenance and replace the bearings if necessary.
5. The car's brake pads are damaged or stuck.
While the vehicle is in motion, if the driver feels a pulling force causing the wheels to veer off course and not under the control of the steering wheel, it means there is a problem with the brake pads. When brake pads wear out, braking efficiency is reduced, and the steering wheel may even vibrate despite the driver maintaining a stable speed.
To remedy this, vehicle owners should regularly inspect and maintain their braking system, replacing brake pads with high-quality ones at reputable repair shops.
6. The brake calipers are malfunctioning.
The brake calipers on a car are responsible for clamping on both sides of the rotor. When the driver applies the brakes, they create pressure that slows the wheel down until it comes to a complete stop. If the brake calipers are not regularly maintained, they can become stuck, hindering braking force and causing a feeling of steering instability.
The symptoms of a malfunctioning brake caliper are similar to those of a faulty brake pad. Therefore, car owners should inspect their vehicle and determine the preliminary cause of steering deviation before taking it to a garage.
