5 Warning Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment

Category: Maintenance Tips · 3 min read

Wheel alignment is one of the most overlooked maintenance items — and one of the most important. A misaligned vehicle wears out tires faster, wastes gas, and handles poorly. Here are the 5 signs it's time to get checked.

1. Your Vehicle Pulls to One Side

If you have to constantly steer against the wheel to keep your car going straight, your alignment is off. This is the most common symptom, and one that gets worse over time.

Note: Pulling can also be caused by uneven tire pressure or a dragging brake. We'll check all possibilities.

2. Your Steering Wheel Is Off-Center

When driving straight, your steering wheel should be centered. If it's tilted left or right, the toe is out of adjustment. This often happens after hitting a curb or pothole.

3. Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear

Look closely at your tires. Signs of misalignment include:

• Inner or outer edge wear — Camber is off
• Feathering (sawtooth pattern) — Toe is off
• Cupping or scalloping — Usually a balance or suspension issue

If one tire is wearing noticeably faster than the others, get an alignment check.

4. Vibration Through the Steering Wheel

Vibration at highway speeds is usually a balance issue, but alignment can contribute. If you feel shaking in the steering wheel, we'll check both alignment and balance.

5. You've Hit Something Hard

Even a minor impact with a curb, pothole, or road debris can knock your alignment out of spec. If you've had a hard hit recently, get it checked — even if you don't feel symptoms yet.

How Often Should You Get an Alignment?

Once a year for most drivers. Twice a year if you drive on rough roads regularly. And immediately after any significant impact or suspension work.

What an Alignment Actually Does

Three measurements are adjusted:

• Camber — The inward/outward tilt of the wheel
• Caster — The forward/backward tilt of the steering axis
• Toe — The inward/outward angle of the wheels from above

Each of these is measured against your vehicle's factory specifications. Our computerized alignment equipment shows you the before and after numbers, so you can see exactly what was corrected.

Cost vs. Benefit

An alignment costs $89-$129. A set of new tires costs $600-$1,500+. Getting an alignment now saves you from replacing tires prematurely — and improves fuel economy and handling along the way. It's one of the best-value maintenance items you can do.

Get Your Alignment Checked in San Jose

Stop by California Tires & Wheels for a quick alignment check. We'll tell you honestly if you need one — and if you don't, we'll say so.

Learn About Our Alignment Service