Author name: Troy Ryder

Have you noticed your steering wheel pulling to one side during your commute through Madison? Or perhaps you’ve spotted uneven tire wear that has you worried about safety and unexpected replacement costs? These are telltale signs that your car needs wheel alignment, a critical maintenance service that directly impacts your safety and your vehicle’s performance. Wheel alignment, also called tire alignment, is the adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension system to ensure all four wheels point in the correct direction and make optimal contact with the road. When your alignment is off, even by a fraction of a degree, it affects how your car handles and how long your tires last.  Here are the seven most common signs your car needs wheel alignment, along with a practical alignment checklist you can use today. 1. Uneven Tire Wear One of the clearest indicators that your car needs wheel alignment is uneven tire wear. When you inspect your tires, you should see consistent tread depth across the entire surface. If you notice that the inside or outside edges of your tires are wearing down faster than the center, or if one tire looks significantly more worn than the others, your wheels are likely misaligned. This uneven tire wear pattern can require you to replace your tires prematurely (potentially costing you hundreds of dollars) and reduce traction, increasing your stopping distance. Check your tires monthly by running your hand across the tread surface. If you notice significant differences in tread height or unusual wear patterns such as cupping or feathering, it’s time to schedule an alignment check. 2. Your Vehicle Pulls to One Side Does your car drift left or right when you’re driving on a straight, level road? This steering pull is one of the most common and noticeable signs your car needs wheel alignment. When your wheels aren’t properly aligned, they’re essentially fighting against each other, with some pointing slightly in different directions. It’s worth noting that a slight pull could also indicate uneven tire pressure or a tire problem, so check your tire pressure first. However, if your tires are properly inflated and you’re still experiencing steering pull, alignment is the most likely culprit. 3. Off-Center Steering Wheel When Driving Straight You’re cruising down a straight Madison or Granite City street, your car is going perfectly straight, but your steering wheel is tilted instead of centered. This is a dead giveaway that your vehicle needs wheel alignment. When your wheels are properly aligned, your steering wheel should sit perfectly level when you’re driving straight. An off-center steering wheel means your wheels are pointing in slightly different directions, and you’re unconsciously compensating by holding the wheel at an angle. 4. Steering Wheel Vibration While driving at highway speeds, do you feel vibrations or shaking through your steering wheel? Though vibrations can stem from several issues (including unbalanced tires or worn suspension parts), misalignment is a common cause. At higher speeds, misaligned wheels create an oscillating effect that you feel as vibration in the steering wheel. This not only makes for an uncomfortable drive but also puts unnecessary stress on your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems. If you experience steering wheel vibration along with other signs on the alignment checklist below, misalignment is very likely your issue. However, since vibration can indicate other problems, it’s best to have a professional technician diagnose the root cause. 5. Squealing Tires During Normal Driving Hearing your tires squeal when you’re not making sharp turns or aggressive maneuvers? This noise often indicates that your tires are scrubbing against the pavement rather than rolling smoothly as a direct result of wheel misalignment. When your car needs wheel alignment, the misaligned wheels force your tires to travel at slightly different angles. This causes friction and that distinctive squealing sound, especially during turns or when accelerating from a stop. Beyond being annoying, squealing tires signal that you’re losing fuel efficiency and wearing out your tires much faster than normal.  6. You’ve Recently Hit a Pothole, Curb, or Been in an Accident You don’t always need to wait for symptoms to appear. If you’ve recently hit a significant pothole (and the Granite City area has its share, especially after winter thaws), scraped a curb while parking, or been involved in any collision, even a minor fender-bender, your car needs wheel alignment checked as a precautionary measure. These impacts can instantly knock your wheels out of alignment. After any significant impact, add “check wheel alignment” to your to-do list. Catching alignment issues early, before they cause uneven tire wear or other problems, can save you money and keep you safer on the road. 7. A Drop in Fuel Efficiency Have you noticed you’re filling up your gas tank more often than usual, even though you’re driving the same routes? While many factors affect fuel economy, wheel misalignment is a potential culprit. When your car needs wheel alignment, your engine has to work harder to move your vehicle forward because misaligned wheels create resistance and drag. The difference may seem small, one or two miles per gallon, but over time, this adds up to real money wasted at the pump.  Your DIY Alignment Checklist Before heading to a shop, you can perform some basic checks using this alignment checklist: Look at all four tires for uneven wear patterns. Run your hand across the tread to feel for differences in height. Ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found on a sticker inside your driver’s door). Uneven pressure can mimic alignment issues. On a safe, level road, briefly release the steering wheel to see if your car pulls to either side. While driving straight, observe whether your steering wheel is centered or tilted. Pay attention to any unusual squealing, especially when turning or accelerating. Think about whether you’ve hit any potholes, curbs, or been in any incidents recently. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to schedule a professional alignment check. Remember, some alignment issues are subtle