Wheel Alignment: Signs You Need One
Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels (camber, caster and toe) to the manufacturer's spec. You likely need one if the car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is off-centre, or tires wear unevenly. Many shops suggest checking alignment yearly, after hitting a big pothole or kerb, and whenever you fit new tires.
TL;DR
- Pulling, off-centre steering or uneven wear = check alignment.
- Check after big impacts and with new tires.
- Alignment is not the same as balancing.
A wheel alignment is one of those services that's easy to skip and expensive to ignore, because misalignment quietly eats tires. Here's how to tell if you need one.
Signs you need an alignment
- The car pulls left or right on a straight, level road.
- The steering wheel isn't centred when driving straight.
- Uneven tire wear: inner or outer edges, or feathering.
- Squealing tires on gentle turns.
- After hitting a pothole or kerb hard, or after suspension work.
Alignment vs balancing
| Alignment | Balancing | |
|---|---|---|
| What | Wheel angles relative to the car | Weight distribution around each wheel |
| Symptom | Pulling, uneven wear | Vibration at certain speeds |
| When | Yearly check, impacts, new tires | New tires, vibration |
Why it matters
Misaligned wheels drag slightly, wearing tires faster and adding rolling resistance. Combined with correct tire pressure, which FuelEconomy.gov says helps fuel economy, good alignment keeps running costs down. See when to replace tires and the tire rotation schedule.
Log it
Record alignments with mileage so you can link them to tire wear. CarO's car repair log keeps it with the tire purchase. The 75,000 mile service and 200,000 mile service include suspension and alignment checks.
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Sources
- NHTSA: Tire Safety (TireWise): www.nhtsa.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- FuelEconomy.gov: Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape: www.fueleconomy.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Bridgestone: How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?: www.bridgestonetire.com (accessed 21 October 2026)
Disclaimer: CarO and this website give general car-care information, not professional advice. Maintenance intervals and specifications vary by vehicle, so always follow your owner's manual and a qualified mechanic. Mileage and cost figures are estimates; check local tax rules before using any log for deductions.
FAQ
How often should I get a wheel alignment?
Many shops suggest a check once a year, after a big impact and when you fit new tires. Check your manual.
What are the signs of bad alignment?
Pulling to one side, an off-centre steering wheel, uneven tire wear and squealing on turns.
Can hitting a pothole knock out alignment?
Yes. A hard impact can change alignment angles or damage suspension parts.
Is alignment the same as balancing?
No. Alignment sets wheel angles; balancing evens weight around each wheel to stop vibration.
Does alignment affect fuel economy?
Misalignment adds rolling resistance and tire wear, so correct alignment helps keep running costs down.
Related guides
Track this in CarO
CarO is a free car maintenance tracker app for iPhone and Android that keeps a full service history, reminds you about oil changes and inspections by mileage or date, and logs fuel fill-ups with MPG, odometer readings and car expenses for every vehicle you own. Logs are stored in the cloud and can be exported as CSV.
