what is a wheel alignment on a car

[LaConnor]

A wheel alignment is a mechanical adjustment of your car's suspension—the system that connects the vehicle to its wheels. It's not about adjusting the tires or wheels themselves, but the angles at which the tires make contact with the road. The primary goal is to ensure your car drives straight and true, with minimal steering wheel pull to either side, which optimizes tire wear, fuel efficiency, and safety.

The process involves precisely adjusting three key angles:

• Camber: This is the inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Negative camber (tilted in) is common in performance cars for better cornering, but incorrect camber causes uneven wear on one side of the tread.
• Toe: This angle refers to whether the fronts of the tires are closer together (toe-in) or farther apart (toe-out) than the rears, as if looking at your own feet. Incorrect toe is a major cause of rapid tire wear.
• Caster: This is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the car. It affects steering stability and return-to-center feel. Positive caster helps the car drive straight.

Here’s a quick reference for common alignment specifications for different vehicle types:

Vehicle Type	Camber Range (degrees)	Toe Setting (inches)	Caster Range (degrees)
Standard Sedan	-0.5 to +0.5	0 to +1/16" (Toe-in)	+3.0 to +6.0
Performance Car	-1.0 to -2.0	0 to -1/16" (Toe-out)	+6.0 to +9.0
SUV/Truck	0.0 to +1.0	0 to +1/16" (Toe-in)	+4.0 to +7.0
Vintage/Classic	+0.5 to +1.5	+1/16" to +1/8" (Toe-in)	+1.0 to +3.0

You likely need an alignment if you notice your car pulling to one side, the steering wheel is off-center when driving straight, or you see uneven tire wear. It's a standard maintenance procedure recommended every 10,000 miles or after hitting a significant pothole or curb.

[DeStephanie]

Think of it like getting your shoes aligned. If they're pointed oddly, you'll wear down the edges and walk in circles. An alignment does the same for your car's tires. It tweaks the suspension so all four tires point perfectly straight, wear down evenly, and the car doesn't drift. It’s a basic tune-up that saves you money on gas and tires in the long run. If your steering wheel feels crooked when you're going straight, it's time for one.

[NadiaLynn]

From a safety and cost perspective, alignment is critical. Misaligned wheels mean less tire contact with the road, especially in rain, increasing stopping distances and the risk of hydroplaning. It also forces your car's systems to work harder, burning more fuel. I consider it preventative maintenance. Getting it checked is far cheaper than replacing a set of tires ruined by being scrubbed against the pavement. It's a small investment for big returns on safety and your wallet.

[LolaRose]

I learned the hard way after buying new tires and ruining them in six months because my alignment was off. The mechanic showed me the inside edges were completely bald. It’s not just about a straight steering wheel; it’s about your tires wearing down evenly so they last. Now I get it checked with every oil change, especially since our roads are full of potholes. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until it costs you.