Ultimate Guide to Car and Vehicle Alignment

Tires wearing unevenly? Get a precision alignment check to save money on your next set of tires.

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It’s Not Just About the Tires

When we talk about “alignment,” we aren’t just talking about the tires themselves. We are talking about the vehicle’s suspension system—the complex system that connects your vehicle to its wheels. A proper alignment adjusts the angles of the tires so they make contact with the road exactly as the vehicle manufacturer intended.

The Three Angles of Alignment:

Mechanics look at three specific factors when aligning your car. Even a fraction of an inch off in any of these can cause issues.

• Camber: This is the inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front. If the top of the tire leans out, that’s positive camber; if it leans in, that’s negative. Too much tilt causes uneven wear on the tire edges.
• Toe: Think of your own feet. “Toe-in” means the front of the tires point toward each other; “toe-out” means they point away. Improper toe is the most common cause of rapid tire wear.
• Caster: This is the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side. Caster helps your steering wheel return to center after a turn and keeps the car stable at high speeds.

Signs You Need an Alignment

Alignment issues often creep up slowly, but there are clear warning signs if you pay attention to how your car drives. Ignoring these signs can cut the lifespan of your tires in half.

• Drifting or Pulling: If you are driving on a straight road and let go of the steering wheel slightly, does the car drift to the left or right?
• Crooked Steering Wheel: When you are driving straight, is your steering wheel centered? If the emblem is tilted when you aren’t turning, your alignment is off.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Inspect your tires. If one side of the tread is smooth while the other side looks new, your alignment angles are incorrect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a wheel alignment the same as wheel balancing?

A: No. Wheel alignment corrects the angles of the tires relative to the road and each other. Wheel balancing corrects the weight distribution around the tire and wheel assembly to stop vibration.

Q: How often should I get a wheel alignment?

A: It is generally recommended to check alignment every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, or whenever you get new tires. You should also check it immediately if you hit a large pothole or curb.

Q: Does bad alignment affect fuel economy?

A: Yes. If your wheels are fighting each other due to improper angles (toe-in or toe-out), it creates rolling resistance. This forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.