7 Warning Signs of Poor Tyre Alignment That Could Cost You Money

Our research shows that even small misalignments can reduce your tyres' lifespan by thousands of miles.

In this piece, we'll explore seven clear signs that your vehicle needs alignment work. A proper wheel alignment costs as little as £35 for a front toe adjustment.

Car Pulls to One Side

Does your vehicle veer off course without any steering input?

This kind of persistent drifting ranks among the most common tyre alignment symptoms you'll run into. Let's get into what makes this frustrating issue happen and figure out if misaligned wheels are really the root cause.

Car Pulls to One Side: What it means

That nagging pull on your steering wheel isn't just annoying - it's your car telling you something's wrong. Your vehicle might constantly drift left or right even as you try to drive straight, and misaligned wheels are usually the main suspect.

Misaligned wheels happen when your tyres don't sit at the right angles to the road and each other. Instead of making a perfect rectangle that's parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road, your wheels end up skewed. This creates uneven forces that make your vehicle pull in one direction.

The pull isn't always about alignment, though. Here are other things that could be causing it:

Uneven tyre pressure - A tyre without enough air has more rolling resistance, which makes the pull more obvious. Cars usually drift toward the side that has lower pressure.
Braking system problems - The issue might be in your braking system if the pull only shows up during braking. A stuck calliper, worn brake pads, or a seized brake cylinder can make your car stop unevenly.
Suspension issues - Worn parts like ball joints, control arms, or bushings can move out of place and change how your wheels sit. You might notice "memory steer," where your car pulls toward your last turn.
Manufacturing defects - New tyres sometimes have a flaw called "tyre conicity," where the tread rubber hardens into a slight cone instead of a proper cylinder. This makes your car pull toward the affected side.
Road crown - What feels like bad alignment might just be your car responding to the road's natural slope that helps with drainage.

The timing of your car's pull gives important clues. Here's what different scenarios might mean:

Every time you drive, probably alignment or tyre pressure
Only while braking - Likely a brake system issue
Only during acceleration, could be torque steer (common in front-wheel-drive cars)
Right after new tyres - Might be a manufacturing defect

Car Pulls to One Side: How to check

You can do some basic checks before heading to the garage to figure out why your car isn't steering straight:

Perform the "hands-off" test Look for a safe, straight, flat road with little traffic. Keep your hands just above the steering wheel (ready to grab it if needed) and watch if your car consistently drifts one way. A car with good alignment should stay pretty straight. Check your tyre pressure Use a good pressure gauge on all four tyres. Look at your manufacturer's recommended pressures (usually listed in your driver's door jamb or manual). Fixing uneven pressure is one of the easiest ways to solve bad wheel alignment symptoms. Look at tyre wear patterns Check your tyres for uneven wear. Misaligned wheels leave specific patterns:

Inner edge wear points to too much negative camber
Outer edge wear suggests too much positive camber
Feathering or sawtooth patterns indicate toe alignment problems

Track when the pulling happens Pay attention to exactly when you feel the pull:

Does it happen all the time or just sometimes?
Does your steering wheel centre itself normally after turns?
Do you feel any vibration with the pull?
Did you hit a pothole or curb before this started?

Look for visible damage Check for obvious problems like bent wheel rims, shock absorbers that leak, or worn suspension parts you can see. Ignoring these car tyre alignment symptoms can get pricey beyond just annoying steering. Bad alignment wears out tyres faster, uses more fuel, and might damage suspension parts. These repairs cost way more than just getting an alignment.

The safety risks are serious too. A car that pulls unexpectedly makes it harder to handle emergencies, especially at high speeds or in bad weather.

Your next step should be professional wheel alignment service if your checks point to alignment problems. A technician will use special equipment to measure and fix the three key alignment angles: camber (inward/outward tilt), caster (steering axis angle), and toe (how parallel your wheels look from above).

Steering Wheel is Off-Centre

Your steering wheel works like a dashboard gauge that shows alignment problems. That crooked steering wheel isn't just annoying—it's one of the most visible tyre alignment symptoms you'll see every time you drive.

Your wheels are likely misaligned if your vehicle travels straight but your steering wheel sits at an angle. This happens because your wheels point in the wrong direction, even though your steering wheel tells you otherwise.

A car with proper alignment should have its steering wheel centred (with the logo straight) while driving straight ahead. Your wheels and steering system don't work together properly when this fails to happen.

Several things can make your steering wheel move off-centre:

Poor wheel alignment – This causes most problems. Your steering wheel compensates by sitting at an angle when the wheels get misaligned. You'll see this after hitting potholes, driving over kerbs, or through regular wear and tear.
Recent impacts – A big pothole or kerb can jolt your suspension and make steering components move from their factory positions. Even small accidents can bend parts of your steering system.
Suspension issues – Your steering wheel can become misaligned due to worn-out ball joints, control arms, tie rods, or other suspension parts. These damaged components change how your wheels connect to the steering system.
Manufacturing issues – Some vehicles rarely leave the factory with slightly off-centre steering wheels because of poor design or engineering.
Steering component problems – Your wheel might drift off-centre due to issues with the steering rack, steering gear, or tie rods.

Driving with an off-centre steering wheel creates more problems than just annoyance:

Accelerated tyre wear – Your tyres wear out faster because misaligned wheels put uneven pressure on them.
Decreased fuel efficiency – Your car uses more fuel because the engine works harder with misaligned wheels.
Compromised handling and stability – Your control decreases with alignment issues, especially during emergency manoeuvres.
Potential safety system interference – Many vehicles use the steering wheel position to calculate traction control and driver assistance systems.

Steering Wheel is Off-Centre: How to spot it

You can easily identify an off-centre steering wheel:

Visual inspection Look at your steering wheel's position while driving on a flat, straight road. Your manufacturer's logo should be perfectly level with correct alignment. The steering wheel spokes should also be equally positioned on both sides. Measure the deviation Picture your steering wheel as a clock face. A centred wheel points to 12 o'clock. You need to get your alignment checked if it points beyond 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock while driving straight. Road test Pick a safe, flat, straight road with little traffic. Drive steadily and carefully release the wheel briefly. Your car should keep going straight if properly aligned. You likely have an alignment problem if your car drifts while the steering wheel stays angled. Check for accompanying symptoms A crooked steering wheel usually comes with other signs:

Uneven tyre wear patterns
Your car pulls to one side
The steering wheel vibrates
Loose or wandering steering feel

You might want to ignore a crooked steering wheel if your car still drives okay. Notwithstanding that, fixing this bad wheel alignment symptom makes sense because of long-term issues like faster tyre wear, worse fuel economy, and possible safety risks.

Uneven Tyre Wear

Your tyres' rubber tells a revealing story about your vehicle's health. Uneven tyre wear patterns act as silent witnesses to alignment problems. These signs often show up before you notice any steering or handling issues. Getting into these patterns gives you valuable clues about your suspension and alignment systems.

Uneven Tyre Wear: What it indicates

Irregular tyre wear patterns serve as diagnostic tools that point to specific problems with your vehicle's setup. Each pattern has its own story to tell: Centre Tread Wear: The middle section of your tyre shows more wear than the edges when your tyres are overinflated. This creates a bulge in the centre that bears more weight and wears faster than the rest of the tyre. Overinflation makes the contact patch smaller, which can compromise handling and make your tyres more vulnerable to impact damage. Edge Wear (Both Sides): Underinflation usually causes both edges of your tyres to look more worn than the centre. Underinflated tyres distort the tread away from the road in the centre. The edges bear too much weight and wear down faster. You'll often see this with a rounded tread profile instead of the expected flat surface. One-sided Wear: Just one edge (usually the inner edge) shows excessive wear when you have alignment problems, specifically with the camber angle. This "dropped shoulder" wear pattern shows your wheels lean too far inward or outward compared to the road surface. 'Feathered' Edge Wear: A sawtooth pattern on your tyre tread might be the clearest sign of alignment issues. Your hand feels it smooth in one direction but rough in the other. Wrong toe settings create this distinct pattern—either toe-in (outer shoulder wears more) or toe-out (inner shoulder wears more). Heel/Toe Wear: Individual tread blocks develop a sawtooth effect where one side wears faster than the other. Your hand feels like it's touching saw teeth when you run it across this pattern. Cupping or Dipping: Worn suspension parts rather than alignment issues create irregular dips or scalloped patterns across the tread surface. Bad shock absorbers or loose ball joints usually cause this pattern.

Uneven Tyre Wear: How to measure

You need a systematic approach to spot uneven wear patterns:

Visual Inspection: Park your vehicle on level ground to check the tyres. Look for areas that seem more worn than others or different tread depths from inside to outside edge. Start by comparing wear across each tyre's width rather than between different tyres. Hand Test: Feel the tyre tread with your palm in both directions. Feathered wear feels smooth one way but rough or jagged the other way. Your hands can often detect alignment issues before your eyes. Tread Depth Measurement: You'll need these steps to get a full picture:

Use a proper tread depth gauge if you have one
The "20p test" works for a quick check—if you see the coin's outer border in the tread groove, your tread might be below the legal 1.6mm limit
Measure the inside edge, centre, and outside edge of each tyre
More than 1-2mm difference across a single tyre points to alignment issues

Check all four tyres since patterns might vary. Front-wheel-drive vehicles' front tyres wear faster, but each tyre should show consistent wear across its surface.

Monthly checks work best alongside tyre pressure verification. Early detection of uneven wear saves money on early tyre replacement and prevents potential suspension damage.

Vibrating Steering Wheel

Your hands might be the first to notice something's wrong when you feel those unsettling tremors through your steering wheel. These vibrations travel straight from the road to your fingertips. This uncomfortable shaking isn't just annoying—you should never ignore this warning sign.

Vibrating Steering Wheel: What causes it

Your vehicle's critical systems might have an imbalance if your steering wheel vibrates. Unlike other tyre alignment symptoms you can see, these vibrations give you a physical warning about potential problems: Unbalanced wheels top the list of common causes. You'll notice this problem more at higher speeds—usually above 50 mph—when uneven weight distribution makes your steering wheel shake. The faster you go, the more it shakes, which points to improperly mounted tyres or missing wheel weights. Wheel misalignment shows up as steering wheel vibrations among other signs. Your wheels might move out of factory specifications if you hit kerbs, potholes, or other road hazards. This doesn't just cause vibration—it wears down your tyres unevenly and makes the problem worse over time. Brake system issues create their own vibration patterns. Warped brake rotors or sticking brake callipers might be the culprit if your steering wheel shakes only during braking. Warped rotors have high and low spots that don't touch brake pads evenly, which causes juddering. Sticking callipers can keep brake pads partly engaged, which gets hot and causes vibration. Suspension problems like worn ball joints, loose tie rod ends, or damaged control arms can make your steering wheel shake. A little looseness in suspension parts can make the whole system slack, which affects both comfort and control. Wheel bearing damage usually comes with a rhythmic ticking sound and vibrations, especially when turning. You should fix this quickly since bearings play a key role in how your wheels work.

Vibrating Steering Wheel: When to act

The timing of these vibrations gives you important clues about when you just need to get help: Act immediately if:

Vibrations show up suddenly or get worse faster
Your car pulls to one side or becomes hard to steer while shaking
The brake pedal pulses when you press it
You hear grinding, clicking, or ticking with the vibrations
Highway speeds make it hard to control the steering

Pattern recognition matters. Look for exactly when the vibrations happen:

At high speeds only: Your tyres probably need balancing
During braking only: You likely have brake rotor problems
While turning: Your wheel bearings might be failing
At all speeds but worse when accelerating: You might have axle or suspension damage
After getting new tyres: The balance job might be off or the tyres might have defects

You can do a few simple checks before seeing a mechanic. Check all four tyres' pressure since different pressures can throw things off balance. Look at your tyres for bulges, flat spots, or uneven wear that might show alignment problems.

Safety comes first, so don't wait to fix steering wheel vibrations. These vibrations wear out your suspension parts, steering systems, and tyres faster—and repairs get pricey if you ignore them. Bad vibrations can also make it harder to control your car in emergencies.

These vibrations won't fix themselves. A small shimmy today can turn into a big safety problem tomorrow. Quick attention to these bad wheel alignment symptoms usually means simpler, cheaper repairs.

Squealing Tyres

That annoying screech you hear while turning corners isn't just embarrassing—it's your vehicle's way of telling you something's wrong through tyre alignment symptoms. Learning these sounds helps you spot problems before they turn into costly repairs.

Squealing Tyres: What it sounds like

Your tyres can make different sound patterns depending on what's causing them. You'll usually hear two main types:

Hissing sounds happen during regular driving when the tyres need average grip. You'll hear these while driving straight, during light braking, speeding up, or taking wide corners at normal speeds. These sounds usually aren't a cause for concern. Squeaking sounds signal a more serious issue. They happen when your tyres reach their grip limits. This higher-pitched squeal usually comes up during emergency stops, hard acceleration, or sharp turns at high speeds.

Bad alignment makes tyres squeal at specific times:

During slow turns or cornering, even with careful driving
On straight, flat roads
Always from one specific part of the vehicle

The bad alignment forces tyres to drag against the road at the wrong angles, which creates that distinct squeal through increased friction. Most drivers describe it as an irritating, high-pitched screech that's most noticeable at low speeds.

The sound is similar to rubber dragging across a surface instead of rolling smoothly, which is exactly what happens when misaligned wheels push tyres in directions they shouldn't go.

Squealing Tyres: How to confirm

Here's how you can check if squealing comes from bad wheel alignment symptoms: Pay attention to when you hear the noise: Alignment-related squeals typically happen in specific situations. Squealing during gentle turns in parking lots or normal corner navigation points to misalignment. Squeals during normal, straight driving might also mean alignment problems. Look at your tyre pressure: Underinflated tyres bend more and touch more road surface, which can cause squealing. Make sure all tyres match the manufacturer's pressure recommendations. Too much or too little air pressure leads to squealing. Look for wear patterns: Uneven tread wear with squealing strongly suggests alignment issues. Watch for:

Inner or outer edge wear (camber issues)
Feathered or sawtooth patterns (toe alignment problems)

Check other possible causes: Squealing might come from:

Brake issues (squealing stops when you brake)
Suspension problems (comes with clunks or knocks)
Wheel bearing damage (creates rhythmic ticking with squealing)

Get professional help: Simple checks might not solve the problem. A qualified mechanic can tell if misalignment or something else causes the squealing. Some tyre squealing during sharp manoeuvres is normal, but regular squealing during normal driving needs attention. If you ignore this car tyre alignment symptom, you risk faster tyre wear, poor handling, and serious mechanical problems.

Loose or Sloppy Steering

A loose or sloppy steering wheel can turn every drive into a constant battle for control. This worrying feeling points to problems that go beyond just being annoying—it's one of the most serious tyre alignment symptoms that needs quick attention.

Loose Steering: What it feels like

Your steering shows excessive "play" when you can turn the wheel several centimetres each way before your wheels react. This creates a dangerous disconnect between your steering inputs and where your car actually goes.

The typical signs you'll notice:

Your car drifts side to side and needs constant adjustments to stay straight
The steering wheel needs more turns than usual to make the wheels move
Everything feels disconnected or "floating", especially at higher speeds
You hear knocking sounds over bumps or speed bumps
The steering wheel shakes noticeably at highway speeds

These problems usually get worse slowly, so you might not notice until they become serious. Your steering should feel tight and responsive—any other feeling suggests problems with your alignment or steering components.

Noisy or Unresponsive Steering

Your car's steering system makes strange sounds that work as warning signals you shouldn't ignore. These noises and unresponsive handling are bad wheel alignment symptoms that show serious mechanical issues needing quick attention.

Noisy Steering: What to listen for

Your steering system makes different sounds that tell specific stories about problems under your hood:

Whining or moaning shows problems with your power steering system. You'll hear this high-pitched noise most clearly when turning at low speeds. Low power steering fluid, air in the system, or a failing power steering pump could be the cause. The sound is like a continuous, high-pitched groan that gets louder during steering manoeuvres. Clunking or knocking sounds often mean worn components in your steering linkage. You'll hear these noises over bumps or during turns. They sound like metal hitting metal and usually point to loose mounting bolts, damaged steering gear, or worn suspension joints. Squealing or screeching noises usually mean power steering belt problems. A high-pitched screech when you start your vehicle or make sharp turns suggests your drive belt might be slipping, worn out, or needs adjustment. Grinding noises are the most worrying sounds—they often show serious problems with the steering rack or worn bearings. These sounds are like rough metal-on-metal friction and usually mean parts are touching without proper lubrication.

Noisy Steering: When to seek help

The right timing is vital when you deal with steering noises. Get professional help right away if:

The noise appears suddenly or gets worse faster
Your steering becomes stiff, jerky, or unresponsive with the noise
You see fluid leaking under your vehicle
The steering wheel gets hard to turn, especially at low speeds
Warning lights show up on your dashboard

Power steering noises don't get better by themselves. Small issues can turn into major repairs if you wait too long. A simple fluid top-up can turn into complete steering system failure if left unchecked.

Professional diagnosis works best with steering noises. You can check fluid levels yourself, but steering systems have complex parts that need special equipment to check properly.

Note that noisy steering usually comes with other tyre alignment symptoms. Your car might pull to one side or show uneven tyre wear, which points to alignment issues.

Final Thoughts on Wheel Alignment

Early detection of these warning signs can save you time, money, and help you avoid safety hazards on the road. This piece has covered the seven most important indicators you should never ignore.

Proper wheel alignment affects almost every aspect of your driving. Your vehicle's handling, tyre longevity, fuel efficiency, and overall safety depend on wheels that work together. Even minor symptoms like an off-centre steering wheel or tyre squealing need attention before they become expensive problems.

Prevention costs less than repairs. A simple alignment service costs between £35-£100, while replacing tyres early due to alignment wear could cost £250-£600 for a set. Poor fuel economy can also drain hundreds of pounds from your wallet each year.

Good alignment protects your investment and ensures safety on every trip.

FAQs

How can I tell if my car needs a wheel alignment?

Look out for signs like your vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tyre wear, an off-centre steering wheel, vibrations while driving, or squealing tyres during normal turns. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's best to have your alignment checked by a professional.

What are the consequences of driving with poor wheel alignment?

Driving with misaligned wheels can lead to accelerated and uneven tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, compromised handling and stability, and potential safety risks, especially during emergency manoeuvres. It can also cause premature wear on suspension components, leading to more expensive repairs down the line.

How often should I have my wheel alignment checked?

Most experts recommend checking your wheel alignment at least annually or after significant impacts like hitting potholes or kerbs. It's also a good idea to have your alignment checked when you replace tyres or suspension components.

Can I check my wheel alignment at home?

While professional equipment is needed for precise alignment, you can perform some basic checks at home. Look for uneven tyre wear, test if your car drives straight on a level road without pulling to one side, and check if your steering wheel is centred when driving straight. However, for accurate diagnosis and adjustment, it's best to visit a professional.

How much does a wheel alignment typically cost?

The cost of a wheel alignment can vary, but it typically ranges from £35 to £100 for a basic service. This is significantly less expensive than the potential costs of premature tyre replacement or fuel inefficiency caused by misalignment. Regular alignment checks can save you money in the long run.