Wheel alignment isn’t simply a repair for when something “feels off.” Major automotive authorities — including Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, AAA, and Consumer Reports — describe alignment as part of ongoing vehicle maintenance because it directly affects tire life, fuel economy, safety, and the health of your suspension components.
When most drivers think about routine maintenance, they think of oil changes, brake checks, or tire rotations. But there’s another service that belongs on that same list: wheel alignment.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is a precision adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension geometry — specifically camber, caster, and toe angles — to ensure that all four wheels meet the road at the correct angle.
According to Edmunds, alignment plays a major role in:
- how straight the vehicle tracks
- how evenly the tires wear
- how much rolling resistance the vehicle creates
- how stable and predictable the steering feels
Even with normal driving, these angles gradually shift over time. That’s why alignment is considered maintenance, not a one-time fix.
Why Wheel Alignment Is Preventive Maintenance
✔ Helps Prevent Premature Tire Wear
Uneven tire wear is one of the clearest signs of misalignment.
Kelley Blue Book notes that misaligned wheels scrub against the road surface, causing tires to wear out significantly faster — especially on the inner or outer shoulders.
Keeping alignment in spec helps you get the full life out of your tires, which protects one of the most expensive consumable components on your vehicle.
✔ Improves Fuel Efficiency
Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance.
According to AAA, when your tires aren’t pointed in the right direction, the engine has to work harder to maintain speed — which reduces fuel economy.
Proper alignment allows the vehicle to roll freely and efficiently, reducing wasted fuel.
✔ Enhances Safety & Handling
A properly aligned vehicle tracks straight and responds predictably to steering inputs.
Consumer Reports explains that poor alignment can cause:
- pulling or drifting in one direction
- vibrations at speed
- instability in emergency maneuvers
- a steering wheel that sits off-center
All of these issues impact driver confidence and vehicle safety.
✔ Protects Suspension and Steering Components
Misalignment places additional load on suspension components such as:
- tie rods
- control arms
- bushings
- ball joints
- steering rack components
Over time, excessive stress can cause these parts to wear out prematurely. Routine alignment reduces that strain and helps extend the life of the vehicle’s steering and suspension systems.
Why Alignment Goes Out Over Time
Even when you drive carefully, alignment gradually drifts due to:
- potholes and uneven roads
- minor curb impacts
- aging suspension components
- worn bushings or shocks
- road crown and sloped surfaces
- normal driving vibration and settling
Kelley Blue Book notes that as suspension components wear naturally, alignment angles slowly move out of spec — which is why periodic checks are recommended.
How Often Should You Get an Alignment?
While your owner’s manual may not list a strict interval, most third-party experts recommend:
- at least once a year
- whenever new tires are installed
- after hitting a pothole or large road hazard
- after any suspension or steering repair
- whenever you notice uneven tire wear
- if the steering wheel isn’t centered
AAA also advises that waiting for symptoms is often too late — by the time you feel pulling or see tire wear, the damage may already be done.
What Happens If You Skip Wheel Alignment?
Ignoring alignment for long periods can cause:
• Rapid or uneven tire wear
You may need new tires much sooner than expected.
• Reduced fuel economy
The engine burns more fuel to overcome rolling resistance.
• Poor handling and stability
The car may wander, pull, vibrate, or feel less predictable.
• Increased repair costs
Suspension and steering components can wear out prematurely.
• Reduced ride comfort
The vehicle may feel rough, unstable, or “off” on the road.
Consumer Reports stresses that misalignment is one of the most preventable causes of expensive tire and suspension problems.
The Bottom Line: Alignment Protects Your Vehicle and Saves Money
Wheel alignment is one of the simplest and most impactful maintenance services you can perform. It helps:
- extend tire life
- improve fuel efficiency
- enhance safety
- preserve suspension components
- maintain a smooth, stable ride
Just like oil changes or brake inspections, alignment belongs on your routine maintenance schedule. By staying ahead of it, you avoid unnecessary expenses, improve vehicle performance, and keep your car driving the way it was designed to.
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