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Wheel alignment guide

# Wheel alignment guide

## What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is the adjustment of the angles at which tires contact the road surface. Three key angles are set: toe (inward/outward pointing), camber (tilt from vertical) and caster (steering axis tilt). Correct alignment ensures even tire wear, straight-line tracking and safe handling. Misalignment is most commonly caused by hitting potholes, kerbs or other impacts. Check alignment annually or after any significant impact.

## How-to steps

- **Check symptoms first** Look for pulling, off-centre steering, feathering, one-sided wear, or recent impact damage before booking alignment.
- **Measure toe, camber, and caster** Use an alignment rack to compare each angle with the vehicle specification and correct adjustable angles in the proper order.
- **Verify after adjustment** Centre the steering wheel, road-test the vehicle, and recheck tire pressures and uneven-wear causes.

## The three alignment angles

| Angle | Axis | Positive | Negative | Effect if out of spec |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Toe** | Horizontal (viewed from above) | Toe-in — fronts of tires angled inward | Toe-out — fronts of tires angled outward | Incorrect toe causes the fastest tire wear; feathering or sawtooth pattern on tread edges. Affects straight-line stability. |
| **Camber** | Vertical (viewed from front/rear) | Positive camber — top of tire tilts outward | Negative camber — top of tire tilts inward | Excessive camber wears the inner or outer shoulder. Slight negative camber (+0 to −1.5°) improves cornering grip. |
| **Caster** | Longitudinal axis tilt (viewed from side) | Positive caster — steering axis tilted rearward at top | Negative caster — steering axis tilted forward at top | Caster affects steering feel and straight-line stability. Most cars run positive caster (3–7°). Rarely adjustable on modern cars. |

## Symptoms of misalignment

| Symptom | Likely cause |
| --- | --- |
| Vehicle pulls left or right on a flat straight road | Unequal toe or camber side-to-side |
| Steering wheel off-centre when driving straight | Rear toe or thrust angle out of spec |
| Rapid wear on inner or outer tire edge | Camber out of spec (positive = outer, negative = inner) |
| Feathered / sawtooth tread pattern | Toe misalignment |
| Unstable at motorway speeds / wandering | Caster imbalance or excessive toe-out |
| Vibration through steering wheel | Out-of-balance wheel (not alignment) — check balancing first |

## Alignment vs balancing — what's the difference?

- **Alignment** adjusts the angles of the wheels relative to each other and the vehicle. It corrects pulling, uneven wear, and off-centre steering. It does NOT remove vibration.
- **Balancing** adds small weights to correct mass imbalance in the wheel-tyre assembly. It corrects vibration through the steering wheel or seat at speed. It does NOT correct pulling or uneven wear.
- If you have both pulling AND vibration, you may need both services.

## How often to align

- **Annually** — as standard preventive maintenance, even without symptoms.
- **After any significant impact** — hitting a pothole, kerb, or being in an accident (even a minor bump can shift alignment).
- **After new tire fitment** — to set even wear from day one and not void tire warranties.
- **After suspension or steering component replacement** — any new tie rod, control arm or strut will change alignment.

## 2-wheel vs 4-wheel alignment

A **2-wheel (front) alignment** sets only the front axle angles. Adequate for most simple front-wheel-drive vehicles with a solid rear axle.

A **4-wheel alignment** measures and adjusts all four corners and the thrust angle (the direction the rear axle points). Required for AWD, independent rear suspension cars, and any vehicle that drifts or shows rear tire wear. 4-wheel alignment is best practice for all modern cars.

## More tools

- [Tire tread depth guide](https://tirefitlab.com/learn/tread-depth/)
- [Tire pressure guide](https://tirefitlab.com/learn/tire-pressure/)
- [Tire rotation guide](https://tirefitlab.com/learn/tire-rotation/)
- [Wheel offset guide](https://tirefitlab.com/learn/wheel-offset/)
- [Tire size calculator](https://tirefitlab.com/tire-size-calculator/)
- [Tire & wheel reference guides](https://tirefitlab.com/learn/)

[Last reviewed: 2026-06-21](https://tirefitlab.com/methodology/)

Seasonal check

## Planning a long summer drive?

Use the budget and running-cost tools before a trip, especially if the current tires are worn or the replacement size changes diameter.

[Estimate tire budget](https://tirefitlab.com/tire-budget-calculator/)

## More in this topic: Wheel fitment depth

Rim, offset, spacer and bolt-pattern guides for physical fitment checks.

- [**Bolt pattern guide** Find which bolt pattern your car uses and which wheels are compatible. PCD tables for 4x100, 5x112, 5x114.3 and more.](https://tirefitlab.com/learn/bolt-pattern/)
- [**Rim diameter guide** Find which tire sizes fit each rim diameter from 14 to 22 inches.](https://tirefitlab.com/learn/rim/)
- [**Rim types and materials guide** Rim types explained: steel stamped, cast aluminium alloy, flow-formed alloy, forged alloy, carbon fibre. Weight comparison, heat dissipation, repair cost, corrosion resistance, and which type suits which driving application.](https://tirefitlab.com/learn/rim-types/)
- [**Rim width and tire fitment guide** Use an editorial rim-width screening chart, then verify the approved range for the exact tire product, vehicle clearance and wheel specification.](https://tirefitlab.com/learn/rim-width-tyre-fitment/)