What can cause your car to lean?
Flat tyres can affect the balance of your car. If your car is leaning to one side, check the tyres for punctures and low air.
Cars are designed to remain balanced at all times. This improves performance, handling and stability. There are many important components that keep your car balanced. These include the shocks, struts, springs, chassis and wheels / tyres. A problem with one or more of these components can affect your car’s balance, causing it to lean in one direction.
Learn more about how the suspension system works >
When a car has balance issues, it can cause increased wear on various components such as the tyres. Because more weight is being placed on one side, those tyres will wear more quickly and need to be replaced sooner. This can also apply to suspension components, which are put under more strain due to increased weight. For this reason, we recommend that you have your leaning / unbalanced car inspected as soon as possible. This will save you money by preventing more damage from occurring.
Common causes of a car leaning to one side:
- Suspension Spring Issues: The suspension springs in a vehicle help support its weight and maintain a level ride height. If a spring is broken or weakened on one side of the car, it can cause that side to sag, resulting in a noticeable lean.
- Suspension Component Wear: Worn-out suspension components, such as control arms, bushes, or struts/shock absorbers, can cause uneven weight distribution and lead to a car leaning to one side. Damaged or worn suspension parts may not provide proper support, affecting the vehicle’s stability.
- Flat tyre: If you have one or more flat tyres, it can cause your car to lean in the direction of the flat tyre. To determine if this is the case, perform a visual inspection of your vehicle’s tyres and look for irrefularities.
- Uneven Tyre Pressure: A significant difference in tyre pressure between the left and right sides can cause a car to lean. Check the tyre pressures and ensure they are inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Suspension Misalignment: Improper alignment of the suspension components can result in a vehicle leaning to one side. This misalignment may be caused by worn or damaged suspension parts, improper installation, or a previous accident.
- Uneven Weight Distribution: If the weight distribution inside the vehicle is uneven, it can cause the car to lean to one side. This can occur if heavy items or passengers are consistently placed on one side of the vehicle, disrupting its balance.
- Damaged Chassis or Frame: A bent or damaged chassis or frame can cause a car to lean to one side. This is often the result of a severe impact or accident and may require professional repair or realignment.
Should you drive if your car is leaning to one side?
We recommend that if your car is leaning to one side, you avoid driving where possible. If you need to drive, it’s important that you take turns slowly, driving at slower speeds if needed. This will reduce additional wear on components such as tyres. It will also keep you safer and reduce the likelihood of you losing control.
A car that is leaning to one side can compromise its stability, handling, and overall safety. It can affect the vehicle’s ability to maneuver properly, especially during turns or emergency situations. This can increase the risk of accidents or loss of control. Continuing to drive in this condition can put additional stress on the suspension system, potentially causing further damage and more expensive repairs. It will also increase wear on tyres, meaning they will need to be replaced sooner.
Inspection and Diagnostics for Car Leaning in Hamilton
Is your car leaning to the left or right? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our team of experienced mechanics can quickly determine the cause of a leaning vehicle. Whether it’s a suspension problem or a tyre problem, we are happy to replace the failed component for you. A well-balanced car will look better, as well as have increased tyre life and increased vehicle stability.
For suspension, tyre and coil replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!