What causes increased rolling resistance leading to pulling in a vehicle?

Increased rolling resistance in a vehicle can occur due to a malfunctioning brake caliper. When a brake caliper is not functioning correctly, it may not release completely after applying the brakes, leading to constant friction against the brake rotor. This results in dragging brakes, which increase the rolling resistance of that wheel. The excessive resistance can cause the vehicle to pull to one side, as the affected wheel experiences a different level of traction and drag compared to the others.

In contrast, a misaligned steering system would primarily cause uneven tire wear and handling issues, but it is not a direct cause of increased rolling resistance. Air in the tires affects tire pressure and can lead to decreased fuel efficiency or handling issues, but again, it does not specifically relate to rolling resistance causing the vehicle to pull. Lastly, an improper tire size could affect the handling characteristics of a vehicle, but it typically does not directly relate to increased rolling resistance in the way that a malfunctioning brake caliper does.