Everything You Need to Know About Wheel Alignments

Wheel alignment might not be something you think about often, but it has a big impact on how your car drives and how long your tires hold up. When your wheels are out of line, it can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, your steering to feel off, or your tires to wear out faster than expected. Getting your alignment checked and corrected when needed keeps your ride smooth, your handling tight, and your tires lasting longer.

What a wheel alignment actually does

A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your vehicle’s wheels so they’re set to the manufacturer’s specs. When alignment is correct, all four wheels are pointing in the right direction and working together the way they should. It’s not about turning the wheels straight. It’s about adjusting the suspension components that affect how the tires contact the road.

There are three main angles involved: camber (the tilt of the wheels inward or outward), toe (how much the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above), and caster (which helps balance steering and stability). These angles work together to keep your car driving straight and your tires wearing evenly.

Small shifts in alignment can happen over time from normal driving, potholes, curbs, or worn suspension parts. That’s why regular checks help your car handle properly.

Signs your alignment is off

If your alignment is off, your car will usually give you some clear signs. Here are the most common ones to watch for:

• Pulling to one side – The vehicle drifts left or right when you're trying to drive straight.

• Uneven tire wear – One edge of a tire wears faster than the rest.

• Crooked steering wheel – The wheel sits off-center even though the car is moving straight.

• Steering wheel vibration – You may feel a shake or wobble through the wheel, especially at higher speeds.

You might not notice all of these at once, but even one of them can point to a problem. Getting it checked early keeps your car driving the way it’s meant to.

How misalignment affects your tires and handling

When your wheels aren’t properly aligned, your tires can’t wear evenly. Some parts of the tread end up doing more work than others, which causes them to wear out faster. You might find yourself replacing tires sooner than expected, even if they look okay at a glance.

Misalignment also affects how your vehicle feels on the road. You may notice the steering feels loose, twitchy, or just not as responsive as usual. The car might not hold a straight line, especially at highway speeds, which can make driving feel less stable and less safe.

Even if everything else is working fine, bad alignment can make a good car feel like it’s handling poorly. Fixing the alignment brings everything back into sync and helps your car respond the way it was designed to.

How often you should get an alignment

A lot of drivers wonder, How often should I get an alignment? The general rule is once a year, but it really depends on how and where you drive. If you hit a lot of potholes, drive on rough roads, or have recently replaced suspension or steering parts, it’s smart to have it checked sooner.

Some vehicles hold alignment better than others, but if you notice uneven tire wear or the steering feels off, don’t wait for your next scheduled service. Getting it checked during a tire rotation or oil change is a good habit.

An alignment check is quick and can help you avoid bigger tire or suspension issues. If you’re ever unsure, a technician at a GreatWater 360 Auto Care garage can tell you if a wheel alignment is needed.

What to expect during a wheel alignment service

A wheel alignment service starts with a technician measuring your current alignment angles using specialized equipment. Your vehicle is placed on an alignment rack, and sensors or cameras are attached to each wheel. This gives a detailed reading of your camber, toe, and caster angles.

If any of those angles are out of spec, adjustments are made to bring everything back in line with your vehicle’s recommended settings. The process usually takes about an hour, depending on how far things are off and whether any additional parts need attention.

Once everything’s adjusted, the technician will likely test-drive the vehicle or recheck the measurements to confirm everything is set correctly. You’ll leave knowing your alignment is dialed in, your tires are wearing evenly, and your vehicle is handling the way it should.