Wheel alignment does not touch the wheels themselves. It adjusts the angles of the suspension so the tires meet the road correctly. Get it wrong and you burn through tires and fight the steering wheel.
What alignment actually sets
Three main angles matter. Toe is whether the tires point slightly in or out, camber is how much they lean, and caster affects steering stability. When these are within spec, the car tracks straight and the tires wear evenly.
Signs you need an alignment
- The car pulls to one side on a flat road.
- The steering wheel sits crooked when you drive straight.
- One edge of a tire is wearing faster than the rest.
- The steering feels loose or wanders.
How often
Have alignment checked once a year, after fitting new tires, and any time you hit a large pothole or kerb hard. It is cheap compared with a set of tires worn out early.
Frequently asked questions
Is alignment the same as balancing?
No. Balancing corrects vibration by evening out weight around the wheel. Alignment sets the suspension angles. Both help tires last.
Can I drive with bad alignment?
You can, but it wears tires quickly and can make the car less stable, so fix it sooner rather than later.
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