Wheel alignment might not be the most exciting part of car maintenance, but it plays a significant role in how your vehicle drives, handles, and wears out its tyres. When your wheels are out of alignment, even slightly, it can affect safety, fuel economy, and the life of your tyres.
So, how often should you get a wheel alignment? The answer depends on your driving habits, the roads you travel on, and how your car handles on the road. Let’s walk through the basics, signs to watch for, and how often you should schedule a check.
What Is a Wheel Alignment?
A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your car’s wheels so they point in the right direction. These adjustments help ensure your tyres are sitting evenly on the road, which improves handling, comfort, tyre wear, and safety.
If your alignment is off, your car may pull to one side, the steering might feel off-centre, or you could notice uneven wear on your tyres. That’s why it’s essential to have this checked regularly, or whenever something feels different.
How Often Should You Get It Checked?
As a general rule, it’s recommended to get a wheel alignment every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres or once a year. However, that’s just a guide. There are situations where you may need it sooner.
For example, you should get a wheel alignment:
- If you hit a pothole, kerb, or road debris
- After fitting new tyres or suspension components
- If your car has been in an accident, even a minor one
- When your steering feels off, or the car pulls to one side
- If you notice uneven or rapid tyre wear
Even if your car feels okay, an annual check during your regular service can help prevent issues from developing unnoticed.
Signs You Might Need a Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment problems often develop slowly, so it’s helpful to know what to look for. If you’ve noticed any of the following, it’s worth having your alignment checked:
- Your car drifts or pulls to one side while driving straight
- The steering wheel feels crooked even when driving straight.
- You feel vibrations through the steering wheel at speed.d
- Your tyres show uneven wear — more on one edge than the other.
- The vehicle doesn’t feel stable when cornering.
These issues can also affect fuel economy and braking, especially in wet conditions, so it’s best not to ignore them.
Should You Get an Alignment After New Tyres?
Yes, definitely. A fresh set of tyres is a good time to check your alignment. Even a slight misalignment can cause your new tyres to wear unevenly, which shortens their lifespan and wastes your investment.
Some tyre shops include an alignment with new tyres, but not always. Ask your mechanic to include it — it’s a small service that protects a much more expensive part of your car.
What Happens During a Wheel Alignment?
During an alignment service, a technician uses specialist equipment to measure your car’s wheel angles and compare them to the manufacturer’s specifications. If the wheels are out of spec, they make minor adjustments to bring everything back into line.
The process usually takes under an hour, and there’s no need to leave the car all day. You’ll often get a report showing your before-and-after alignment angles.
Why It Matters
Proper wheel alignment is one of those small services that make a big difference. It can help:
- Extend the life of your tyres
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Make your car easier and safer to control
- Reduce wear on your suspension and steering parts
It’s not just about comfort — it’s about protecting your car’s long-term performance and safety.
Final Thoughts
If it has been a while since your last wheel alignment, or if you’re noticing signs like drifting or uneven tyre wear, it’s time to book in. It’s a quick check that can save you money and prevent bigger problems later.
Discuss adding a wheel alignment to your next service with your local mechanic. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep your car driving straight, safe and smooth.
