Wheel alignment plays a big role in how well your vehicle drives, how long your tires last, and how safe your steering feels. Yet many drivers overlook this service until something feels really off.

Spotting the signs of misalignment and knowing when to schedule a check can save you money, prevent premature tire wear, and improve your ride.

What does wheel alignment actually do?

An alignment is an adjustment to your car’s suspension so your tires sit at the correct angles relative to each other and the road. The goal is to restore the vehicle to factory alignment specs, which include three main angles:

• Camber (tilt of the tire inward or outward)

• Caster (how far forward or backward the steering axis tilts)

• Toe (whether the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above)

These adjustments help ensure the car tracks straight, the steering wheel stays centered, and the tires wear evenly. A good alignment also reduces drag on the tires, which may improve fuel economy and reduce driver fatigue on long trips.

A note: If your vehicle has a lane assist feature, you’ll also need an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems calibration in tandem with a wheel alignment.

When you might need an alignment

Most automakers recommend checking alignment every 6,000-12,000 miles, or at least once a year, especially if you drive on rough roads, over potholes, or across tight urban corners. If you own an EV, you’ll want to check your alignment every six months (due to its heavier weight).

You should also consider getting an alignment if you:

• Just installed new tires

• Had suspension or steering components replaced or repaired

While it’s normal for alignment to shift slightly over time, these kinds of events can throw your suspension out of spec quickly.

Signs you need an alignment now

If your vehicle’s alignment is off, you may start to notice one or more of these symptoms:

• The car pulls to one side when driving on a straight, flat road

• The steering wheel is crooked even though you’re driving straight

• Tires show uneven wear, either on the inner or outer edges

• There’s a looseness or wandering in the steering

• Tires squeal during normal cornering

In some cases, you can do a quick at-home check (just make sure the lane assist feature is turned off). On a level, empty road or parking lot, gently release the steering wheel while moving slowly. If the car drifts consistently in one direction, alignment may be off.

You can also visually compare your front wheels — if one appears slightly turned or angled differently, it could indicate misalignment. This latter advice is key for anyone with a vehicle that utilizes steer-by-wire systems.

Don’t confuse alignment with balancing

Though they’re often done at the same time, wheel alignment and tire balancing fix different issues. Balancing involves adding small weights to the wheel-and-tire assembly to prevent vibration from uneven weight distribution.

You usually need to balance your tires when you feel shaking or vibration in the steering wheel or on the floorboard, especially at highway speeds. These sensations often show up after installing new tires or repairing a flat.

Do you need more than an alignment?

Given the age and condition of your current car, an alignment may be one of many things that require attention. Should the maintenance costs for everything that’s needed exceed your vehicle’s market value, Credit Acceptance works with over 15,000 dealerships coast to coast that can put you in something newer. To find out the maximum monthly payment you might qualify for, get prequalified for auto financing through our website today.