What a Wheel Alignment Does—and Why It Matters

A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your vehicle’s wheels so they’re parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road, improving straight-line tracking, tire life, and safety. In practical terms, it realigns the suspension geometry—typically camber, toe, and caster—to factory specifications so the car drives straight, the steering wheel sits centered, and tires wear evenly.

The Purpose Behind Aligning Wheels

Every car leaves the factory with precise alignment settings that balance stability, handling, comfort, and tire longevity. Impacts from potholes or curbs, worn suspension parts, and even normal driving over time can nudge those settings out of spec. When that happens, the vehicle may pull, the steering wheel may sit crooked, and tires can scrub on the pavement, wearing out prematurely and reducing fuel economy. A professional alignment corrects those angles and restores predictable, safe behavior.

What Is Actually Adjusted

Alignment targets three main angles that describe how each wheel meets the road. The list below defines these terms and how they affect driving.

• Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Excess negative camber wears the inner edge of the tire; excess positive camber wears the outer edge. Correct camber helps maximize tire contact in corners without sacrificing even wear.
• Toe: The direction the tires point relative to each other when viewed from above. Toe-in means the fronts of the tires point toward each other; toe-out is the opposite. Toe has the biggest impact on tire wear and straight-line stability.
• Caster: The forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side. More positive caster improves straight-line stability and steering feel and helps the wheel self-center, but extreme values can increase steering effort.
• Thrust angle: The direction the rear wheels point relative to the vehicle’s centerline. A non-zero thrust angle can cause the car to “crab” and the steering wheel to sit off-center.

Together, these parameters determine how the car tracks, how stable it feels at speed, and how evenly the tires wear. Bringing them into spec is the core outcome of an alignment.

How a Shop Performs a Wheel Alignment

Modern alignments use computerized alignment racks with laser or camera heads to measure each wheel’s angle against the manufacturer’s specifications. The following steps summarize the typical process.

1. Initial inspection: The technician checks tire pressures, tire condition, and suspension/steering components (tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, shocks/struts). Worn or bent parts must be replaced before alignment.
2. Baseline measurements: Sensors are attached to the wheels and the vehicle is rolled and jounced to remove suspension bind. The machine records current camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle.
3. Adjustments: The tech adjusts tie rods (toe), camber bolts or shims (camber), and, where applicable, subframe or strut mount positions and control arm eccentrics (camber/caster) to match factory specs.
4. Centering and calibration: The steering wheel is centered and locked. Many newer vehicles require a steering angle sensor reset; some ADAS features may also need calibration.
5. Verification: Final measurements are printed or provided digitally, showing values within the specified ranges.

A complete alignment doesn’t just tweak the front; on most modern cars, it references all four wheels, ensuring the vehicle tracks straight with the steering wheel centered.

Key Benefits of a Correct Alignment

A proper alignment has tangible effects on cost, safety, and daily drivability. The following points outline the primary advantages.

• Longer tire life: Prevents rapid or uneven wear patterns like feathering and inner-edge wear, potentially adding thousands of miles to tire lifespan.
• Better fuel economy: Reduces rolling resistance from tires scrubbing against the road due to incorrect toe.
• Improved safety and handling: Restores straight-line tracking, predictable cornering, and consistent braking stability—crucial for emergency maneuvers.
• Steering feel and comfort: Keeps the steering wheel centered and reduces driver fatigue from constant corrections.
• Protects AWD/4WD components: Minimizes driveline stress caused by mismatched rolling paths and excessive scrub.

These gains compound over time: fewer tire replacements, less driver fatigue, and a vehicle that behaves as designed in critical moments.

Signs You May Need an Alignment

Some symptoms point strongly to misalignment, while others can overlap with different issues. Use the list below as a guide.

• Vehicle pulls or drifts to one side on a flat road, with correct tire pressures.
• Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight.
• Uneven or rapid tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges, or feathering across tread blocks.
• After a curb or pothole strike, suspension work, or installing new tires.
• Lane-keeping or driver-assist systems behaving inconsistently after suspension service.

If several of these show up together—or if they appear after an impact or suspension change—an alignment check is prudent.

Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing

It’s easy to mix up alignment with balancing. The list below distinguishes the two services.

• Alignment: Adjusts suspension angles to precise geometry. Addresses pulling, crooked steering wheel, and uneven tire wear.
• Balancing: Corrects mass imbalance in each wheel/tire assembly using weights. Addresses vibration or shimmy at specific speeds.

Many cars need both over time. If you feel a steering wheel shake at highway speeds, balance is the likely first check; if the car tracks crooked or wears tires unevenly, start with alignment.

Two-Wheel vs. Four-Wheel Alignment

Most modern vehicles benefit from a four-wheel alignment because rear toe or camber can influence straight-line tracking and steering-center position. The following breakdown explains the difference.

• Four-wheel alignment: Measures and sets geometry at all four corners, aligning the front wheels to the rear thrust line. Standard for independent rear suspensions and many crossovers, sedans, and EVs.
• Front-end (two-wheel) alignment: Primarily adjusts front toe (and camber/caster if available). Sometimes used on vehicles with solid rear axles that are not adjustable, though the rear is still measured to set thrust angle.

When available, a four-wheel alignment is the more complete procedure and is generally recommended.

What an Alignment Cannot Fix

Some problems fall outside the scope of alignment adjustments. The list below highlights common limitations.

• Bent or worn parts: Damaged control arms, subframes, struts, knuckles, or bushings must be replaced first.
• Tire or wheel defects: Broken belts, bulges, or bent rims cause vibrations and wear that alignment cannot remedy.
• Ride height changes: Lowering or lifting alters geometry; additional hardware (camber bolts, adjustable arms) may be needed to achieve proper specs.

A reputable shop will identify these issues during the initial inspection and recommend repairs before attempting final alignment.

Cost, Timing, and Best Practices

Knowing when and how to schedule an alignment can save money and protect tires. The following points offer practical guidance.

• Cost: Typically $80–$200 in the U.S., depending on vehicle complexity and local rates. Performance or specialty vehicles may cost more.
• Time: About 30–90 minutes, longer if parts are seized or adjustments are extensive.
• When to align: After installing new tires, suspension repairs or upgrades, hitting a pothole/curb, or noticing pull or uneven wear. Many drivers benefit from a check every 12–24 months.
• Documentation: Ask for before-and-after printouts that show each angle and the factory target ranges.
• ADAS note: Steering angle sensor resets—and, in some models, camera/radar calibration—may be required after alignment.

Combining alignments with tire rotations and periodic inspections creates a maintenance rhythm that preserves both safety and budget.

Bottom Line

A wheel alignment restores the precise relationship between your car’s wheels and suspension so the vehicle tracks straight, the steering wheel sits centered, and tires wear evenly. It’s a relatively quick service that pays for itself by extending tire life, improving fuel economy, and preserving safe, predictable handling.

Summary

A wheel alignment adjusts camber, toe, and caster to factory specs so the wheels are parallel and correctly oriented to the road. The result is straighter tracking, a centered steering wheel, longer tire life, and improved safety. It’s recommended after impacts, suspension work, or when symptoms like pulling or uneven wear appear, and should be verified with a before-and-after measurement report.

How do you tell if you need an alignment?

You may need a wheel alignment if you observe your steering wheel being off-center, the car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, excessive vibration, or squealing tires. These signs suggest that the angles of your vehicle’s wheels are no longer aligned properly, which can affect steering, tire life, and overall handling. 
Common signs that your vehicle needs an alignment:

• Off-Center Steering Wheel: Opens in new tabIf your steering wheel is noticeably crooked or turned when you are driving on a straight, level road, it’s a clear indication of an alignment issue. 
• Car Pulling: Opens in new tabYour vehicle may drift or pull to the left or right, requiring you to constantly correct its path to stay straight. 
• Uneven Tire Wear: Opens in new tabLook at your tires for unusual wear patterns. For example, if the inside or outside edges of the tire tread are wearing down faster than the rest, your alignment could be off. 
• Vibrating Steering Wheel: Opens in new tabA vibrating steering wheel can be a symptom of misaligned wheels or an indication that your tires are out of balance. 
• Squealing or Squeaking Tires: Opens in new tabUnusual noises like squealing or squeaking, especially when turning, can be a sign that your tires are not tracking correctly due to an alignment issue. 
• Wandering Steering: Opens in new tabIf your vehicle feels unstable and you constantly have to make small corrections to stay in your lane, it could be due to a misaligned steering system. 

What to do if you notice these signs:

• Check Tire Pressure: Before assuming you need an alignment, ensure all your tires are properly inflated. Unequal tire pressure can sometimes cause a vehicle to pull to one side. 
• Visit a Professional: If the signs persist, visit a qualified service technician for a professional alignment check. They can diagnose the issue and correct the alignment for a safer and more comfortable driving experience. 

How much does it cost for wheel alignment?

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

How much does car wheel alignment cost?

Our wheel alignment prices start from £58.49 for a 2 wheel computerised front wheel alignment, and £80.99 for a computerised four wheel alignment. You can book your vehicle in for a car wheel alignment service near you online today. We have hourly appointments available throughout the UK.

What are the signs of a bad wheel alignment?

Signs of a bad wheel alignment include the vehicle pulling to one side, an off-center or crooked steering wheel, uneven or rapid tire wear, and a vibrating or loose steering wheel. You may also hear tires squealing or notice the car drifting when driving on a straight, flat road.
 
Common Signs of Misalignment:

• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: Opens in new tabWhen driving on a straight, flat road, your car consistently drifts or pulls to the left or right. 
• Crooked Steering Wheel: Opens in new tabIf the steering wheel is noticeably off-center or crooked while you are driving straight, it’s a sign the alignment is off. 
• Uneven Tire Wear: Opens in new tabYou might see excess wear on the inside or outside edge of your tires, or a scalloped, wavy wear pattern. 
• Vibrating or Loose Steering: Opens in new tabThe steering wheel might feel loose, unresponsive, or vibrate, especially when turning or driving on uneven roads. 
• Tire Squealing: Opens in new tabTires may squeal during turns or when the vehicle is moving at normal speeds. 
• Drifting: Opens in new tabLetting go of the steering wheel on a straight path might cause the car to veer off course.