Car Feels Like It’s Pulling Back When Driving – How To Fix?

Have you ever experienced your car feels like it’s pulling back when driving? This can be frustrating.

Not only that, any issues like this are dangerous not only because of how your car is reacting but for the underlying issues of what’s causing these problems. This is especially when driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic. Thus you must address the problem and know how to solve it.

In this blog post, we will explore the various reasons why a car might feel like it’s pulling back when driving. We shall also know how to diagnose the problem and what solutions are available to fix it. So, let’s dive in and learn more!

Why Does My Car Feels Like It’s Pulling Back When Driving? 3 Reasons To Check

There are various reasons why your car may be pulling back when you drive. Some of the most common reasons can fall into three categories:

• Fuel-related issues
• Electrical problems
• Mechanical issues

So it may be a good decision for you to take your car to a skilled mechanic to diagnose and address the problem. By the way, let’s break down the problems and their solutions separately. 

1. Fuel-Related Issues

If you feel like your car is pulling back when you start, most probably your car has fuel-related issues. When you have malfunctions in a car, the engine may not receive the proper fuel-air mixture it needs to run efficiently. 

This can happen if you have a bad fuel injector or clogged fuel filters and even in case of failing oxygen filters. This also happens when you drive on low fuel or have malfunctioning throttle bodies. 

Solution

• Ensure your car has enough gas.
• Check the fuel pump and fuel injectors and replace them if needed. 
• Clean and replace the fuel filter and throttle if needed. 
• Inspect the oxygen sensor, replace if nessesary. Here’s a video that will help you test it;

2. Electrical Problems

Another common cause can be electrical problems like faulty batteries or alternators, malfunctioning spark plugs, or ignition coils. Faulty sensors like the mass air flow sensor or camshaft position sensor can give you acceleration problems. Also damaged wiring or connections can all contribute to this issue. 

With these parts malfunctioning, the engine can not receive the proper electrical signals. If you see your car pulling back if you slow down, it can be a sensor fault. You can use an OBD scanner (our pick) to diagnose the problems. 

Solution

• Check and replace the battery and alternator. 
• See if the spark plugs, sensors, and ignition coils work properly.  Replace the faulty components if found. 
• Repair if you find any damaged wiring or connections. 

3. Mechanical Issues

Mechanical problems can also make your car feel like it’s pulling back when driving. Usually, this issue can start with the transmission, such as slipping or shifting issues. Also, worn and damaged drive shafts, bad wheel bearings, and suspension problems like worn-out shocks or struts can cause problems.

Also, when a car’s wheels are not properly aligned, it can cause the car to pull to one side or feel unstable. This can lead to a loss of power and cause the car to feel like it’s pulling back while driving.

Solution

• Check and replace the drive shaft, wheel bearings, or suspension if needed. 
• Align the wheels to fix alignment issues. Here’s a diagram that will help;

Prevention of the Problem

By taking some precautions, you too can avoid getting into this problem in the first place. All you need is regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups. This will help you eliminate the issue at hand in most cases and make your car run smoothly. 

Also, you should always replace all worn-out parts to prevent failures. Always practice safe driving by avoiding harsh acceleration or braking and avoiding potholes or other hazards on the road. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s look at some relevant questions people have regarding the issue that might interest you too. 

Conclusion 

Understanding the technical causes of why your car feels like it’s pulling back when driving can be essential. From a clogged fuel filter to a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, the issue can come from many sources. There is a variety of potential reasons for a car to hesitate or lack power when accelerating. 

If you’re ever unsure about a technical issue with your car, it’s always a good idea to seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic or automotive professional. Thanks for reading , drive safe!