What Is a Vehicle Alignment and Why Does My Car Need One?
Short answer
A vehicle alignment ensures your wheels are positioned correctly so your car drives straight, your tires wear evenly, and your steering and suspension perform as designed.
What is a vehicle alignment?
A vehicle alignment is a precision service performed by a trained technician to adjust your vehicle’s suspension angles. The goal is to ensure all four wheels are properly aligned with each other and correctly positioned relative to the road.
When your alignment is correct, your vehicle:
- Drives straight without pulling
- Responds predictably to steering input
- Experiences even tire wear
- Maintains optimal handling, safety, and fuel efficiency
Modern vehicles rely on exact alignment specifications set by the manufacturer. Even small deviations can affect how your car drives and how long your tires last. That is why alignment should only be performed using professional equipment by a qualified technician.
What does a technician adjust during an alignment?
During an alignment service, technicians measure and adjust several key angles to meet factory specifications.
Camber
Camber refers to how much a wheel tilts inward or outward when viewed from the front of the vehicle.
- Too much inward or outward tilt can cause uneven tire wear
- It can also reduce traction and stability
Caster
Caster is the angle of the steering axis and affects how your vehicle handles and returns to center after a turn.
- Incorrect caster can make steering feel unstable or difficult
- While it does not usually cause tire wear, it directly impacts control and comfort
Toe
Toe describes whether the tires point slightly inward or outward when viewed from above.
- Improper toe is one of the most common causes of rapid tire wear
- It can also cause your vehicle to wander or feel unstable at highway speeds
All of these angles work together. If one is out of specification, it can affect the others and compromise overall performance.
Signs your vehicle may need an alignment
Some alignment issues are visible, while others are noticeable only while driving.
Common signs include:
- Uneven or accelerated tire wear
- Vehicle pulling to the left or right when driving straight
- The steering wheel is not centered when driving straight
- Steering wheel vibration or shaking
- Difficulty maintaining a straight line on the road
If you notice any of these symptoms, your vehicle should be inspected as soon as possible. Driving with poor alignment can shorten tire life and affect your safety.
When should you get a wheel alignment?
You should consider an alignment:
- When installing new tires
- After suspension or steering repairs
- After hitting a pothole, curb, or road debris
- If your vehicle pulls or handles differently than normal
- As part of routine maintenance, especially after long-distance driving
Because modern suspensions are finely tuned, even small impacts or component wear can throw your alignment out of specification over time.
Why alignments matter more than ever
Today’s vehicles are heavier, more powerful, and more technologically advanced than ever. Advanced driver assistance systems, electronic steering, and modern tire compounds all depend on proper alignment to function correctly.
A proper alignment helps:
- Extend tire life
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Protect suspension components
- Maintain safe handling and braking
- Deliver a smoother, more confident driving experience
Bottom line
Vehicle alignments are not just about tires. They are about safety, performance, and protecting your investment.
At Client, our factory-trained technicians use manufacturer-recommended specifications and professional alignment equipment to ensure your vehicle drives exactly as it should.
If you are experiencing uneven tire wear, steering issues, or it has been a while since your last alignment, contact Client to schedule an inspection and keep your vehicle performing at its best.