How to Fix Car Alignment: Signs, Causes, and DIY Fixes

July 15, 2025   Car Maintenance

Source:https://coastalcollisioninc.com

When driving, it’s crucial that your car handles properly, ensuring not only your safety but also the longevity of your vehicle. One of the most important factors in achieving a smooth, safe ride is ensuring your car’s wheels are properly aligned. Fixing car alignment is often overlooked until it leads to noticeable problems, such as uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, or poor handling. Understanding how to identify, diagnose, and fix alignment issues can save you money on repairs and prolong the life of your vehicle. This article will guide you through the signs of misalignment, the common causes, and the DIY fixes that you can try to restore your car’s performance.

1. What Is Car Alignment and Why Is It Important?

Car alignment refers to the adjustment of the angles of your vehicle’s wheels to ensure that they are set to the manufacturer’s specifications. This alignment involves three key components:

  • Camber: The angle of the wheels when viewed from the front. If the top of the tire is tilted outward, it’s considered positive camber, and if it’s tilted inward, it’s negative camber.

  • Toe: This refers to the direction the tires are pointed when viewed from above. When the front of the tires is turned inward, it’s known as “toe-in,” and when they’re turned outward, it’s called “toe-out.”

  • Caster: This is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the car. It affects the stability of the vehicle, particularly when steering.

Proper wheel alignment ensures that your tires wear evenly, your vehicle tracks straight, and the steering and suspension systems function correctly. Misalignment, on the other hand, can lead to poor handling, increased tire wear, and even safety hazards.

2. Signs That Your Car Needs Alignment

It’s essential to know the signs that indicate your car’s alignment needs attention. If you’re unsure whether you need to fix car alignment, here are some common symptoms:

1. Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear

If your tires are wearing unevenly, especially on the inner or outer edges, this could be a sign of misalignment. Proper alignment helps distribute weight evenly across the tire, and when this balance is off, one part of the tire bears more weight than the rest, leading to faster wear.

2. Pulling to One Side

While driving, if your car seems to pull to one side, even if you’re not actively steering, it could indicate an alignment issue. This pulling happens when one wheel is misaligned with the other, causing uneven friction with the road.

3. Crooked Steering Wheel

When your steering wheel is off-center, but your vehicle is traveling straight, it suggests that your alignment is off. In most cases, the steering wheel should be perfectly aligned when driving in a straight line. If it’s not, it could point to issues with the angle of the wheels.

4. Vibrating Steering Wheel

A steering wheel that vibrates, especially at higher speeds, can also be a sign of misalignment. The vibrations are usually caused by uneven tire wear or the suspension system being thrown off due to incorrect wheel angles.

5. Squealing Tires

If your tires make a squealing noise when driving, especially when making turns, it could indicate that the alignment is off. This often occurs when the tires are improperly angled, leading to friction with the road surface.

3. Common Causes of Misalignment

Misalignment doesn’t happen overnight. There are a variety of factors that can cause your car to lose its alignment over time:

1. Potholes and Rough Roads

Driving over large potholes, bumps, or rough roads can cause the suspension and steering components to shift. These sudden impacts can knock the alignment out of place, especially if they are severe or frequent.

2. Accidents or Collisions

Even minor accidents or fender benders can affect your vehicle’s alignment. When the wheels or suspension system are impacted, it can cause the wheels to become misaligned.

3. Worn-Out Suspension Components

As your car’s suspension system ages, components like tie rods, bushings, and ball joints can wear down, affecting the vehicle’s alignment. If these parts are damaged, it can be difficult for the vehicle to stay properly aligned.

4. Normal Wear and Tear

Over time, all vehicles experience some degree of misalignment due to the wear and tear of daily driving. Even minor changes in the suspension system’s geometry can result in a misalignment of the wheels.

5. Incorrect Installation of Tires or Wheels

If new tires or wheels are installed improperly, or if the wrong size tires are used, the alignment may not be set correctly. This can also lead to uneven tire wear and steering issues.

4. DIY Fixes for Car Alignment

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above and want to fix car alignment yourself, there are a few DIY methods you can try. While a complete alignment should be performed by a professional, some minor adjustments can be made at home.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Tape measure

  • String or fishing line

  • Wrench set

  • Jack and jack stands

  • Level

  • Alignment tool kit (optional)

Step-by-Step DIY Fix for Toe Misalignment

  1. Check Tire Pressure: Before you start, make sure that all four tires are properly inflated. Uneven tire pressure can affect your car’s handling and steering.

  2. Raise the Car: Use a jack to lift your car and place it on jack stands. Ensure the car is secure before proceeding.

  3. Inspect the Tires: Check your tires for any signs of wear or damage. If the wear is excessive, you may need to replace the tires before making any alignment adjustments.

  4. Use the String Method:

    • Attach a string or fishing line to a fixed point on the rear of the vehicle, such as a rear axle or frame.

    • Stretch the string along both sides of the car, ensuring it is parallel to the centerline of the vehicle.

    • Measure the distance between the string and the front of the tire at the top and bottom. If the measurements are uneven, you likely have a toe misalignment.

  5. Adjust the Tie Rods: To correct the toe alignment, you’ll need to adjust the tie rods on the steering mechanism. Loosen the lock nuts on the tie rods, then rotate the rods to adjust the alignment. Make sure both sides are aligned symmetrically.

  6. Recheck Measurements: After making adjustments, recheck the measurements to ensure the tires are properly aligned. You may need to make small adjustments to get everything perfectly aligned.

  7. Lower the Car: Once the adjustments are complete, lower the vehicle back to the ground and test drive it. Ensure that the steering wheel is centered, and the vehicle is driving straight without pulling to one side.

Note:

While DIY fixes can address minor alignment issues like toe misalignment, camber and caster adjustments typically require specialized equipment and expertise. If you’re unsure or the problem persists, it’s best to consult a professional alignment shop.

5. When to Seek Professional Help

If your car’s alignment issues are more severe, or if you’re unable to make the necessary adjustments yourself, it’s time to visit a professional. A certified technician will use advanced equipment to measure and adjust all angles of your car’s wheels, ensuring optimal performance and tire longevity. Professional alignment services typically cost between $75 and $100, and this investment can prevent costly tire replacements and suspension repairs down the road.

In conclusion, knowing how to fix car alignment can help maintain the performance, comfort, and safety of your vehicle. By recognizing the signs of misalignment and understanding the causes, you can take proactive steps to address issues before they become serious problems. While some alignment fixes can be done at home, more complex issues are best handled by professionals. Regardless, taking the time to keep your vehicle properly aligned ensures that you can enjoy smoother rides, improved fuel efficiency, and longer-lasting tires.