Four million drivers have steering 'out of line'

MILLIONS of drivers could be at risk of an accident and injuring others by having defective steering, according to new research.

A study for Kwik Fit has shown that one in eight motorists (12%) say the steering on their cars pulls to one side or the other, and just under one million of those say that their steering pulls 'significantly'.

The data reveals that younger drivers are more prone to this issue, with 25% of those under 34 admitting that their car pulls to one side, even on a straight road. Only 2% of drivers over 55 said they had the same problem.

Wayward steering can be caused by something as simple as tyre pressures, but more significant problems can be caused by wheel misalignment, worn suspension components or impact damage. With 40% of drivers saying they have struck a pothole in the last 12 months, the problem is potentially greater than ever.

Roger Griggs, communications director of Kwik Fit said: “It may seem obvious, but tyres are the only thing that connects a car to the road, so it’s vital that they are set up properly. It’s incredible to think that four million drivers are struggling with their steering on a daily basis – this is not only a safety issue but increases tyre wear and fuel consumption. We would encourage all those drivers to first check their tyre pressures and wear, and then have their alignment and suspension checked if needs be."

By Press Association reporters