5 Warning Signs Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment (also called tracking) ensures your wheels are pointing in exactly the right direction. When alignment is out, it affects handling, tyre wear, and even fuel economy. Somerset's rural roads, with their potholes and uneven surfaces, are particularly hard on alignment – so knowing the warning signs is essential.

Sign 1: Your Car Pulls to One Side

This is the most obvious symptom. If you have to constantly correct the steering to drive straight, or if the car drifts left or right when you let go of the wheel briefly, your alignment is almost certainly off.

How to test: Find a flat, straight road with no traffic. Briefly relax your grip on the wheel – the car should continue straight. If it veers noticeably to one side, book an alignment check.

Note: Roads are often cambered (sloped) for drainage, which can cause slight drift. True alignment problems cause consistent, noticeable pulling.

Sign 2: Steering Wheel Off-Centre

When driving straight on a level road, your steering wheel should be level and centred. If it sits at an angle – even slightly – this usually indicates an alignment issue.

This is more than just an annoyance. An off-centre steering wheel means the wheels aren't pointing straight when you think they are, which affects your control of the vehicle.

Sign 3: Uneven Tyre Wear

This is often the first sign mechanics spot. Check your front tyres – if one edge (inside or outside) is wearing faster than the other, alignment is the likely culprit.

Types of wear to look for:

• Feathered wear: Tread blocks worn smooth on one side, rough on the other
• One-sided wear: Inside or outside edge significantly more worn
• Different wear between tyres: One front tyre worn more than the other

Poor alignment can cut tyre life by 30-50%, meaning you're buying new tyres far more often than necessary. A wheel alignment costs far less than premature tyre replacement.

Sign 4: Steering Feels Loose or Vague

If the steering feels imprecise, or the car seems to wander at speed rather than tracking straight, alignment could be part of the problem.

Important: Loose steering can also indicate worn suspension or steering components, so this symptom warrants a proper inspection to identify the root cause.

Sign 5: After Hitting a Pothole or Kerb

A significant impact – hitting a pothole hard, clipping a kerb, or any collision – can knock your alignment out immediately. Somerset's rural roads are notorious for hidden potholes, especially after winter.

If you've had a notable impact, it's worth getting your alignment checked even if you don't notice immediate symptoms. Catching the problem early prevents tyre wear and maintains safe handling.

What Causes Alignment Problems?

• Pothole impacts: The most common cause in Somerset
• Kerb strikes: Even gentle contact can affect alignment over time
• Worn suspension components: Bushings, ball joints, and tie rods wear out
• Lowering or lifting the vehicle: Any suspension modification requires re-alignment
• Accident damage: Even minor bumps can affect geometry

The Alignment Process

Modern alignment uses laser or camera-based equipment to measure the precise angles of your wheels against manufacturer specifications. The main angles adjusted are:

• Toe: Whether wheels point slightly inward or outward
• Camber: Whether wheels tilt inward or outward when viewed from the front
• Caster: The angle of the steering pivot

Most vehicles only need front alignment, but we offer 4-wheel alignment for vehicles with adjustable rear suspension or those showing rear tyre wear issues.

Free Alignment Check at Redline Tyres

We offer free alignment checks at our Cheddar workshop. Pop in, and we'll measure your alignment and show you exactly what's going on. If adjustment is needed, we'll give you an honest quote – and if it's fine, you'll have peace of mind at no cost.

Learn more about our wheel alignment service or get a quote.