Alignment sets the angles of your wheels relative to the car. Bumps and potholes can knock it out of place.
In this article
- Signs
- What it fixes
- When to do it
Signs
The car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is off-center or the tires wear unevenly. Check wear on the inner and outer edges.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pulls to one side | Alignment or tire pressure | Check both |
| Off-center wheel | Toe out of spec | Align |
| Inner edge wear | Negative camber | Align |
| Vibration | Unbalanced tire | Balance |
Intervals and costs are typical ranges. Your owner’s manual comes first.
What it fixes
A proper alignment corrects toe, camber and caster. It extends tire life and improves handling.
A pothole can undo a year of careful driving.
When to do it
After new tires, a suspension repair or a hard hit on a pothole. Many drivers check it once a year.
Do it in this order
- Check tire wear patterns
- Align after new tires
- Check pressure first
- Ask for a printout
Practical tip
Ask for the before-and-after alignment printout. It shows what changed and proves the work was done.
Bottom line
Check alignment after any big impact and when you buy new tires.
Specifications, prices and rules change. Confirm current details with the manufacturer or the relevant authority before you buy or repair.
