Car Wheel Alignment Explained: Signs, Costs, and When to Get It Done

Summary

• Wheel alignment costs £30-£80: A quick, affordable check that saves money on tyres.
• Signs of misalignment: Car pulls to one side, uneven tyre wear, or a crooked steering wheel.
• Check after hitting potholes: Even a minor impact can knock your alignment out.

Wheel alignment is one of those things most drivers never think about. Until their tyres wear out unevenly and they need to buy replacements months early.

Getting your alignment checked is quick, cheap, and can save you a fortune on tyres. Here's what you need to know.

---

What Is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment (also called tracking) is the angle at which your wheels point relative to each other and the road.

There are three main measurements:

• Toe: Whether the fronts of the tyres point inward or outward. This is the most common adjustment.
• Camber: Whether the wheels tilt inward or outward when viewed from the front.
• Caster: The angle of the steering axis. This affects stability and steering feel.

When these angles are correct, your car drives straight, handles well, and tyres wear evenly.

---

Signs Your Alignment Is Wrong

• Car pulls to one side: Let go of the steering wheel briefly on a flat road. If the car drifts left or right, alignment is likely off.
• Uneven tyre wear: Check your tyres. If one edge is more worn than the other, alignment is the probable cause.
• Steering wheel is off-centre: When driving straight, the steering wheel should be centred. If it's tilted, alignment needs checking.
• Steering feels vague: The car doesn't respond as crisply to steering inputs.
• Vibration through the steering wheel: Though this can also be a balancing issue.

---

What Causes Misalignment?

• Potholes: The biggest cause in the UK. Even a moderate pothole can knock alignment out.
• Hitting kerbs: Parking bumps and kerb strikes shift the angles.
• Worn suspension: Old bushes and ball joints allow the wheels to move out of position.
• Speed bumps: Taking them too fast over time can gradually shift alignment.
• Accidents: Even minor bumps can change wheel angles.

---

How Much Does Wheel Alignment Cost?

Service	Typical Cost
Front wheel alignment check	£20 - £40
Front wheel alignment adjustment	£30 - £60
Four-wheel alignment	£50 - £80
Hunter 4-wheel alignment (premium)	£60 - £100

Many garages and tyre centres offer a free alignment check if you're getting tyres fitted.

---

How Often Should You Check Alignment?

• Every 12,000 miles or once a year
• After hitting a significant pothole or kerb
• When fitting new tyres
• If you notice any of the signs mentioned above
• After any suspension work

---

Alignment vs Wheel Balancing

These are different things:

• Alignment: The angle of the wheels. Affects tyre wear and steering. Adjusted by changing suspension settings.
• Balancing: The weight distribution of the wheel and tyre. Affects vibration. Fixed by adding small weights to the wheel rim.

If your steering wheel vibrates at speed, you need balancing. If your car pulls to one side or tyres wear unevenly, you need alignment.

---

How Proper Alignment Saves Money

A set of four tyres costs £200-£600. Bad alignment can wear them out in half the normal time.

A £50 alignment check every year could save you £300 or more on premature tyre replacements. It's one of the best value maintenance jobs you can do.

For more on keeping costs down, read our car servicing guide.

---

Wheel alignment is quick, cheap, and saves you money on tyres. If your car pulls, your steering feels off, or your tyres are wearing unevenly, book an alignment check today. It's the simplest way to protect one of your car's most expensive consumables.

Read our other articles: