Signs Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment (and Alignment vs Balancing)

Signs your wheel alignment is out

• The car pulls to one side when you hold the steering wheel loosely on a straight, level road.
• The steering wheel sits off-centre when you are driving straight ahead.
• Uneven tyre wear, with one edge of the tread wearing faster than the other.
• The steering feels loose, vague, or twitchy.
• You recently hit a pothole, kerb, or speed bump hard.

Why alignment matters

Correct alignment means all four wheels are set to the angles the manufacturer specifies. When they are off, tyres scrub against the road at a slight angle and wear out far faster, sometimes in just a few thousand miles. Poor alignment also increases rolling resistance, which uses more fuel, and can make the car less stable and predictable to drive.

Wheel alignment vs wheel balancing: what is the difference?

These two are often confused but are completely different. Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so the car tracks straight and tyres wear evenly. Wheel balancing corrects tiny weight differences around a wheel and tyre so it spins smoothly without vibration.

A simple way to remember it: alignment fixes pulling and uneven wear, while balancing fixes vibration through the steering wheel or seat, usually felt at certain speeds. A new tyre is always balanced when fitted; alignment is a separate check.

What to do

If you notice any of the alignment signs above, have it checked, especially after pothole or kerb damage that can also harm the tyre and wheel. When we fit new tyres at your location we always balance them as standard, and we can advise if we spot uneven wear that suggests your alignment needs attention.