Wheel alignment is the angle of the wheels relative to each other and the car.
Potholes and kerbs can knock it out.
Signs of misalignment
- ▸Car pulls to one side
- ▸Steering wheel off-centre when driving straight
- ▸Uneven tyre wear, especially on edges
- ▸Squealing tyres
Alignment vs balancing
Alignment adjusts wheel angles. Balancing adds small weights to stop vibration. Both are different services.
When to check
After hitting a pothole or kerb hard, after fitting new tyres or suspension parts, and if you notice signs above.
See also
Our car pulling to one side guide covers other causes.
Camber, caster, and toe
Alignment involves three main angles. Toe is whether the front of the wheels points inward or outward when viewed from above; incorrect toe is the biggest cause of rapid tyre wear. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel viewed from the front. Caster affects steering stability and how the wheel returns to centre. A four-wheel alignment checks and adjusts all of these where the car allows.
CAUTION: This is general automotive information, not professional mechanical advice. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and service schedule, and have brakes, steering, tyres, and other safety-critical systems inspected by a qualified mechanic.