Signs Your Wheels Are Out of Alignment
The main signs your wheels are out of alignment are uneven tyre wear, especially on one edge, the car pulling to one side, a steering wheel that sits off-centre when driving straight, and vague or wandering steering. Misalignment also increases fuel consumption and shortens tyre life, so it is worth catching early.
Uneven tyre wear
The clearest sign of misalignment is often the tyres rather than the steering. When the wheels point slightly wrong, the tyres scrub at an angle and wear unevenly.
Look for one edge of a tyre wearing faster than the rest, or a feathered edge to the tread blocks where they feel sharp on one side. This wastes tyre life, so it pays to check alignment as soon as you spot it.
How the car drives
Misalignment changes how the car feels and tracks. These on-the-road signs are easy to notice once you know what to look for.
- The car drifts or pulls to one side on a straight, level road.
- The steering wheel is off-centre when you are going straight.
- The steering feels vague, or the car wanders and needs constant correction.
The hidden costs
Beyond the annoyance, misalignment costs money in two ways. It wears tyres faster and unevenly, so you replace them sooner, and it increases rolling resistance, which uses more fuel.
Correcting alignment is inexpensive compared with a set of prematurely worn tyres, so it usually pays for itself, especially given current fuel prices and the cost of a good set of tyres.
Reading your tyre wear patterns
Tyre wear tells a story. Wear concentrated on the inner or outer edge typically points to an alignment angle being out, while a feathered, saw-tooth feel across the tread blocks is a classic sign the toe setting is wrong.
By contrast, wear in the centre suggests over-inflation and wear on both edges suggests under-inflation, which are pressure issues rather than alignment. Running your hand across the tread and noting where it wears helps us, and you, work out what needs adjusting.
What causes alignment to drift
Alignment does not usually go out on its own; something knocks it out. The most common causes are hitting kerbs and potholes, which is why Norfolk's winter potholes generate so much alignment work.
General wear of suspension and steering components over time, and any suspension repairs, can also affect the settings. That is why fitting new front tyres or having suspension work done is a sensible time to have the alignment checked and reset.
When to get checked
Have your alignment checked once a year, after any hard kerb or pothole strike, and whenever you fit new front tyres. It is also worth doing if you notice any of the signs above.
We use precise equipment and will show you the before-and-after figures, so you can see exactly what was corrected. A check takes around half an hour, which is a small investment to protect a much more expensive set of tyres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of bad wheel alignment?
The main signs are uneven tyre wear, especially on one edge, the car pulling to one side, a steering wheel that sits off-centre when going straight, and vague or wandering steering. If you notice any of these, an alignment check will confirm whether adjustment is needed.
How often should wheel alignment be checked?
Check alignment about once a year, after hitting a significant kerb or pothole, and whenever you fit new front tyres. Catching misalignment early prevents uneven tyre wear and the extra fuel use it causes, so regular checks tend to pay for themselves over time.
Does wheel alignment affect fuel economy?
Yes. Misaligned wheels drag slightly against the road, increasing rolling resistance and fuel consumption. The effect is small per mile but adds up over a year of driving. Correct alignment lets the tyres roll freely, which improves economy and extends tyre life at the same time.
What does feathered tyre wear mean?
A feathered, saw-tooth feel across the tread blocks, sharp on one side and smooth on the other, is a classic sign the toe alignment is wrong. It is best felt by running your hand across the tread. It wastes tyre life quickly, so it is worth an alignment check as soon as you notice it.
What knocks wheel alignment out?
Hitting kerbs and potholes is the most common cause, which is why winter pothole season generates so much alignment work. General wear of suspension and steering parts, and any suspension repairs, can also shift the settings, so it is worth checking after such work or new tyres.
Book With Norwich Tyres & Auto Service
Need a hand from a real, independent Norwich garage? Call 07933 900901 or pop into Ber Street, NR1 3ES. Same-day tyre fitting is available on most common sizes, with free parking on site.
Hero image: “Lexus IS250 on Concavo CW-S5 Matte Grey Machined Face” by Concavo Wheels (source), licensed under CC BY.