What might cause a vehicle to drift while braking?

When a vehicle drifts while braking, it can often be attributed to issues with the braking system itself or its components. Faulty brake calipers can lead to uneven braking forces applied to the wheels. If one caliper is not functioning properly, it may cause the vehicle to pull to one side when the brakes are engaged. Similarly, uneven brake pad wear can affect how evenly the brakes grip the rotor. If one side has more friction than the other due to this uneven wear, the vehicle will tend to drift in the direction of the wheel with less braking force. This is especially critical for maintaining control during braking and can lead to unsafe driving conditions.

In contrast, while inconsistently inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and stability, they are not directly related to the braking system's performance. Low fuel levels do not have a direct impact on braking behavior and typically do not lead to drifting. Worn-out tires can compromise traction and stability, but they do not specifically relate to the braking mechanics leading to drift. Therefore, the root causes of drifting while braking mainly involve the integrity and performance of the brake system components themselves.