Proper tire alignment is a mechanical adjustment of the suspension system to ensure your car's wheels are pointed in the correct direction, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. The core signs you need an alignment are uneven tire wear, the car pulling to one side while driving on a flat, straight road, or an off-center steering wheel when driving straight. Ignoring these symptoms leads to premature tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling.
The process involves adjusting three key angles:
- Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the top of the tire. Negative camber (tilted in) is common in performance cars for better cornering, while excessive positive or negative camber causes uneven wear on one side of the tread.
- Toe: Whether the front of the tires point inward (toe-in) or outward (toe-out). Imagine looking at your feet—toe-in is pigeon-toed. Incorrect toe is a primary cause of rapid tire wear.
- Caster: The angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side. It affects steering stability and return-to-center. Positive caster (pivot tilted toward the driver) improves high-speed stability.
A professional technician uses an alignment machine that projects lasers onto targets attached to the wheels. The computer compares the measurements against the vehicle's exact specifications. Adjustments are made by loosening and turning bolts on the suspension components.
You should get your alignment checked after hitting a significant pothole or curb, following any suspension work, or if you notice any of the warning signs mentioned. Most experts recommend a check with every oil change for preventative maintenance.
| Common Alignment Symptoms & Consequences | Typical Measurement Specification (Example) | Potential Cost Range (US) |
|---|
| Vehicle pulls to the left or right | Camber: -0.5 to +0.5 degrees | $75 - $150 (Two-Wheel) |
| Steering wheel is crooked when driving straight | Toe: 0.0 to +0.1 degrees (toe-in) | $100 - $200 (Four-Wheel) |
| Uneven tire wear (e.g., inside shoulder worn) | Caster: +4.0 to +5.5 degrees | Included in some maintenance packages |
| Squealing tires | Thrust Angle: 0.0 degrees | |
