I took my car to a shop today and got springs installed, also got an alignment. As I was driving home, I took my hands off the wheel just to see if it drove in a straight line. After a few seconds, the car started slowly drifting to the left. On paper, the number are within factory spec. Should I take my car back to the shop and have them check it out again?

 

Before you take it back, maybe you can check to see if the car veers to the left on different roads?

 

You should have waited for your alignment as springs tend to settle and lower a bit more. As well when the shock is decompressed it takes some time to get back to it's normal height.

As far as pulling slightly, when they align the car they also center the steering-wheel. Maybe they forgot to do it while doing the actual alignment. But the drifting can also be caused by a slight angle in the road that is there to aid with water drainage. A rule that I've heard of is that if you leave your car in the center of a lane with the wheel straight, it it takes more than 5 seconds to drift out of a lane your steering isn't centered.

 

I checked on several different roads. Highway, streets, and even my long driveway.

My driveway is pretty flat, so it has to be the car. So you think I should give it a week or so before bringing it back?


Has anyone ever encountered this problem after getting springs installed and a alignment?