1. Cars are designed to run straight on a level or even slightly cambered road. This means that, if you let go of the steering wheel on a level road, the car should continue in a straight line for some distance before gradually veering to the left, because of the natural road camber. If the car wanders slightly from side to side during the test it may be due to incorrect, or uneven, wheel alignment, loose steering gear, or an uneven load.

2. If the vehicle starts to deviate to one side the moment you let go of the wheel, it may be due to a major difference in tyre pressure between the left and right sides, improper rear wheel tracking, tyres not the same size, or a broken or sagged spring. It may also be a result of any of the faults mentioned in the previous paragraph.

3. If you take a sharp corner and the steering wheel is reluctant to return to the straight-ahead position, or the steering requires too much effort, this may be due to low tyre pressure, binding steering linkages, damaged suspension arms, incorrectly adjusted steering gear or sagging front springs. A power-steering system might have a low fluid level, a defective pump, a sticky valve spool, a loose belt, or a kinked or clogged hose.

4. If the steering wheel has excessive play, it will also have excessive kickback. This may be due to worn or loose steering linkages, a worn or badly adjusted steering box or improperly adjusted front-wheel bearings. Air in a power steering
system could also result in excessive play.

5. Tyre squeal on corners is usually due to low tyre pressure, but can also be caused by incorrect toe or camber.