A wheel alignment that’s slightly off may not seem like a big deal—until your tires wear unevenly and your steering feels wrong. Here are five signs it’s time to get your alignment checked.
1) Your vehicle pulls to one side
If your steering wheel is straight but the car drifts left or right, alignment is likely off.
2) Uneven or fast tire wear
Feathering, inside-edge wear, or rapid tread loss often points to alignment angles that need correction.
3) Crooked steering wheel
If your wheel isn’t centered while driving straight, that’s a classic alignment symptom.
4) Squealing tires during normal turns
Misalignment can put tires at the wrong angle on the road surface, creating extra scrub and noise.
5) You hit a pothole or curb recently
Impacts can knock alignment out quickly, even if the car feels “mostly fine.”
How Often Should You Check?
A good rule is at least once a year, or anytime you install new tires. Proper alignment protects your tire investment and helps your vehicle handle as intended.