how does a car get out of alignment

[StElle]

A car's wheels get out of alignment when the angles of the tires—which are carefully calibrated for optimal contact with the road—are knocked out of their factory settings. This is almost always caused by an impact or the gradual wear of suspension components. Everyday driving hazards are the primary culprits, from hitting a deep pothole or scraping a curb to minor collisions. Over time, even normal wear on parts like springs and control arm bushings can cause the alignment to drift.

The core angles that define alignment are camber, toe, and caster. Camber is the tire's inward or outward tilt when viewed from the front. Toe refers to whether the fronts of the tires are pointed closer together (toe-in) or farther apart (toe-out). Caster is the angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side, affecting steering stability. When these are incorrect, you'll notice clear symptoms like the vehicle pulling to one side, uneven or rapid tire wear, or a steering wheel that is off-center even when driving straight.

The following table outlines common causes and their typical effects on alignment angles:

Cause of Misalignment	Most Commonly Affected Angle(s)	Typical Severity
Hitting a large pothole or curb	Toe, Camber	Moderate to Severe
Minor accident or fender bender	Toe, Caster	Severe
Worn suspension components (ball joints, bushings)	Camber, Toe	Gradual / Mild
Vehicle modification (lowering/lifting)	Camber, Toe	Moderate to Severe
General wear and tear over time	Toe	Mild

The good news is that a wheel alignment is a standard maintenance procedure. It's a smart investment, as correcting misaligned wheels improves fuel efficiency, extends tire life, and ensures safe, predictable handling. If you notice any warning signs, a quick check at a repair shop can determine if an adjustment is needed.

[LaCameron]

Honestly, it doesn't take much. I learned the hard way after swerving to avoid a raccoon and clipping a nasty pothole I didn't even see. The next day, my steering wheel was crooked, and the car drifted to the left. The mechanic said the impact bent something just enough to throw the "toe" setting off. It was a pricey lesson—I needed an alignment and a new tire. Now I'm way more careful about pothole season.

[SanEvan]

Think of it like a shopping cart with a wobbly wheel. Hitting curbs while parallel parking is a big one. So are potholes, which can jar the suspension. Over many years, parts just wear down, slowly changing the angles. It’s not always a sudden thing. The main takeaway is that your car’s alignment is delicate. It's designed for smooth roads, and everyday bumps take their toll, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling if not corrected.

[MacLilah]

As a suspension component wears out—like a control arm bushing or a tie rod end—it develops a little bit of play. That small amount of slack allows the wheel to sit at a slightly different angle than intended. This is a gradual process. You might not feel a dramatic pull, but you'll see the evidence on your tires in the form of feathering or one-sided wear. It's a maintenance issue as much as an impact-related one. Getting it checked annually can catch these slow shifts before they cost you a set of tires.