How to Tell If Your Car Needs a Wheel Alignment

If your car pulls to one side, the steering wheel sits off-center when driving straight, or your tires show uneven wear (especially feathering or rapid inner/outer-edge wear), you likely need a wheel alignment. These symptoms suggest the suspension geometry has drifted out of specification—often after hitting potholes or curbs—and a professional alignment can restore stability, steering precision, and tire life.

The clearest warning signs on the road

While instruments at a shop confirm alignment definitively, several consistent driving behaviors can reliably tip you off that something’s amiss. Pay attention to how the vehicle tracks and how the steering responds in calm conditions on a flat road.

• Pull or drift on a level road: The car veers left or right even with a light, steady grip on the wheel (after confirming tire pressures are equal and there’s no strong crosswind or road crown).
• Off-center steering wheel: The wheel isn’t straight when the car is traveling straight; a crooked emblem at highway speed is a common tell.
• Poor straight-line stability: The car feels nervous, wanders, or requires constant correction; the wheel may not return to center naturally after a turn.
• Tire squeal in gentle turns: Audible squealing at low-to-moderate speeds without aggressive driving can indicate improper toe or camber.
• Driver-assist interventions: Lane-keep assist chimes frequently or makes constant small corrections on a calm, straight road, suggesting the thrust line and steering angle don’t agree.

If one of these occurs occasionally, conditions may be to blame; if two or more occur consistently on calm, flat roads with properly inflated tires, an alignment check is wise.

What your tires are telling you

Tire wear patterns are among the most reliable indicators of misalignment. Inspect tread across the full width of each tire and compare tires on the same axle for differences.

• Feathering or “saw-tooth” tread edges: One edge feels sharp and the other smooth when you run your hand across the tread—classic sign of incorrect toe.
• Inner or outer shoulder wear: Excess wear on just the inside or outside edges often points to camber that’s too negative or positive (common on lowered vehicles or after suspension wear).
• Uneven wear across the axle: One front tire wearing much faster than its mate can indicate a bent or misaligned component on that corner.
• Cupping or scalloping: Patchy dips around the tread can be aggravated by poor alignment, though it’s often tied to worn shocks/struts or imbalance.
• Measurable tread-depth differences: Using a tread gauge (or a coin in a pinch), note differences from inner to outer shoulder; more than about 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) side-to-side is a red flag.

Left uncorrected, these wear patterns accelerate tire replacement and can worsen braking and wet traction. Rotating tires can buy time, but only alignment fixes the underlying cause.

Quick at-home checks before you book service

You can perform simple observations to separate alignment issues from easy fixes. These checks don’t replace professional measurements, but they can save you a trip if the problem is basic.

1. Verify tire pressures: Set all four to the placard value (cold). A few psi difference side-to-side can mimic a pull.
2. Road test on a flat, calm stretch: Briefly relax your grip; a steady drift within a few seconds suggests misalignment (avoid testing in wind or on crowned roads).
3. Steering wheel check: Park with wheels straight; if the steering wheel spokes aren’t level, note how far off they appear when driving straight.
4. Tread feel test: Lightly sweep your hand over each tire’s tread; a rough, directional “saw” feel points to toe wear.
5. Recall recent impacts or work: A hard pothole/curb hit, new tires, or suspension/steering repairs (tie rods, control arms, struts, springs) are all reasons to realign.

If these point to misalignment, schedule a professional four-wheel alignment. Modern vehicles often require a steering angle sensor reset after alignment to keep stability and lane-keeping systems happy.

When to schedule an alignment (even without symptoms)

Because misalignment can develop gradually, proactive checks can prevent premature tire wear and handling issues, especially on rough roads or heavy vehicles like EVs.

• After a significant pothole/curb strike or any collision (even minor).
• When installing new tires or after any steering/suspension work (tie rods, control arms, struts, springs, bushings) or ride-height changes.
• If the vehicle is frequently loaded heavily, towed, or driven on rough roads.
• Every 10,000–15,000 miles (16,000–24,000 km) or annually as preventive maintenance.
• When dashboard warnings for stability control or driver-assist appear, or after a windshield/camera/radar service if the manufacturer recommends calibration.

Catching alignment early protects your tires and ensures driver-assist technologies work as designed.

Alignment vs. balance vs. other issues

Not every handling or wear concern is an alignment problem. Sorting symptoms can help you choose the right service and avoid repeat visits.

• High-speed vibration: Usually wheel/tire balance, a bent wheel, or a tire with a separated belt—alignment rarely causes vibration.
• Pull under braking: Often a sticking brake caliper, contaminated pads, or rotor issues rather than alignment.
• Road crown or crosswind: Mild drift to the right on crowned roads or in wind can be normal; test on truly flat, calm surfaces.
• Uneven tire pressures: Even a small psi delta can create a pull—check first.
• Tire conicity or defect: A tire built with a bias can cause a persistent pull; swapping the front tires left-right is a common diagnostic step.

If in doubt, a shop can measure alignment and also check for bent components, worn bushings, or brake issues that can mimic misalignment.

The geometry behind the symptoms

Alignment adjusts three main angles so the vehicle tracks straight and tires wear evenly. Understanding these helps decode what you’re feeling and seeing.

• Toe (in/out): The most wear-sensitive angle; incorrect toe causes feathering and steering pull.
• Camber (tilt in/out at the top): Too much negative or positive camber chews inner or outer shoulders.
• Caster (steering pivot tilt): Affects straight-line stability and steering return; big left-right differences can cause a pull.
• Thrust angle (rear axle direction): If the rear wheels aren’t square to the car, it “dog-tracks” and the steering wheel sits off-center.

Shops typically set the rear first (to establish thrust angle), then adjust the front so it aligns with the vehicle’s true path.

What a proper alignment includes and what it costs

Knowing what to expect helps you evaluate the service and ask for the right deliverables.

• Four-wheel measurement and adjustment to factory specs (toe, camber, caster as available), with the rear axle set first.
• Steering angle sensor reset; ADAS calibration if required by the manufacturer or if a fault/warning persists after alignment.
• Suspension and steering inspection for worn or bent parts; alignment cannot compensate for damaged components.
• Before/after printout or digital report showing actual values vs. spec.
• Typical U.S. cost: about $90–$200 for a standard four-wheel alignment; more for vehicles with specialty adjustments or seized hardware.

Ask for a brief road test with the technician if possible, especially to verify steering-wheel centering and straight tracking.

FAQs

Can an alignment fix a crooked steering wheel?

Yes. Properly centering the steering during toe adjustment and resetting the steering angle sensor should leave the wheel straight when driving. If it’s still crooked afterward, return to the shop.

Will new tires fix misalignment?

No. New tires will wear unevenly again if alignment is off. Align when you install them to protect the investment.

How long does an alignment take?

Typically 45–90 minutes, longer if parts are seized or components need replacement.

Do EVs need alignment more often?

Not necessarily more often, but EVs are heavier and can wear tires faster; keeping alignment on-spec significantly improves tire life and efficiency.

Do I always need ADAS calibration after alignment?

Usually, only a steering angle sensor reset is required. Some models or circumstances (e.g., a camera/radar service or specific OEM procedures) may call for ADAS calibration—your service manual and any dashboard warnings guide this.

Summary

You’ll know your wheels need alignment if the car pulls on a flat road, the steering wheel sits off-center, or your tires show uneven wear like feathered edges or inner/outer shoulder wear. Confirm tire pressures, road-test in calm conditions, and inspect tread; then book a four-wheel alignment—especially after impacts, suspension work, or new tires. A proper alignment restores straight tracking, steering precision, and tire life, and may include a steering angle sensor reset and, when specified by the manufacturer, ADAS calibration.

How to check if wheels are aligned?

To check if your wheel alignment is correctly done, you can perform a quick road test: on a flat, empty road, drive at a moderate speed and briefly let go of the steering wheel. The car should continue to drive straight without pulling to one side or the other. You should also check if the steering wheel is centered and doesn’t require constant adjustment to keep the car straight. 
Perform a quick road test: 

1. Find the right conditions: On a wide, empty, and flat road, drive the car at a moderate speed. 
2. Let go of the wheel: Gently release your grip on the steering wheel for a few seconds. 
3. Observe the car’s behavior:
   • If the car continues to drive straight: The alignment is likely correct, as the wheels are tracking properly. 
   • If the car pulls or veers to one side: This indicates that the alignment is off and the car needs to be adjusted. 

Check the steering wheel position: 

• Look for a straight steering wheel: On a straight and flat road, the steering wheel should be centered. 
• Verify it doesn’t need constant correction: If you find yourself consistently having to turn the steering wheel to the left or right to keep the car straight, it’s a sign of an improper alignment. 

Other indicators:

• Tire wear: Opens in new tabExamine your tires for signs of abnormal wear, such as wear on only one side of the tire, as this can also indicate an alignment issue. 
• Steering wheel return: Opens in new tabAfter turning a corner, the steering wheel should return to its center position fully. If it doesn’t, your alignment may be off. 
• Ask for a printout: Opens in new tabYou can ask the shop that performed the alignment for a before and after printout of the alignment specifications. 

What do misaligned wheels feel like?

A bad alignment feels like your car is drifting or pulling to one side, the steering wheel is crooked when driving straight, the steering wheel feels loose or vibrates, or you hear tire squealing when turning. You might also notice uneven tire wear, such as wear on the inside or outside edges of the tires.
 
Here’s a breakdown of how it feels:

• Steering is off:
  • The car pulls to one side even on a flat road. 
  • The steering wheel isn’t centered when you’re driving straight. 
  • The steering wheel feels loose or less responsive. 
• Vibration or shaking:
  • A vibrating steering wheel or even the whole car. 
• Tire sounds:
  • Squealing tires: when you’re turning or going around a curve. 
• Visual cues:
  • Uneven wear: on your tires, like more wear on the inside or outside edges. 

What to do if you notice these signs:

• Get your car inspected by a professional mechanic: to determine if an alignment is needed. 
• A bad alignment can cause more wear on your tires and can be a safety hazard, so address it promptly. 

How do I tell if I need an alignment?

You may need a wheel alignment if your vehicle’s steering wheel is off-center, your car pulls to one side, your tires show uneven wear, or you feel a vibration in the steering wheel. Other signs include squealing tires or a loose, unresponsive steering feel. If you notice these symptoms, have a professional technician check your car’s alignment, as improper alignment can also lead to decreased fuel economy and poor handling.
 
Common Signs of Misalignment

• Off-Center Steering Wheel: Opens in new tabIf your steering wheel isn’t straight when driving on a level road, your car likely needs an alignment. 
• Vehicle Pulling: Opens in new tabYour car drifting or pulling to the left or right, even when you’re trying to drive straight, is a strong indicator of misalignment. 
• Uneven Tire Wear: Opens in new tabInspect your tires for uneven wear patterns on the inside or outside edges of the tread, which can signal alignment issues. 
• Vibrating Steering Wheel: Opens in new tabA noticeable vibration or shaking in the steering wheel while driving can point to either an alignment problem or unbalanced tires. 
• Squealing Tires: Opens in new tabTires may squeal or make unusual noises when turning due to improper alignment. 
• Loose or Wandering Steering: Opens in new tabA steering feel that seems unstable or requires constant correction to stay in a straight line can be a symptom of a poor alignment. 

What to Do If You Suspect an Alignment Issue
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to visit a qualified service technician for a professional alignment check. They can perform a road test and use alignment tools to accurately diagnose the issue and make the necessary adjustments to your vehicle’s suspension.

How much does an alignment usually cost?

Expected wheel alignment costs

City	State	Expected price
Los Angeles	California	$120 to $165
Chicago	Illinois	$112 to $151
Dallas	Texas	$110 to $153
Orlando	Florida	$109 to $156