Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels relative to the road and to each other. Get it wrong and the car pulls, the tires wear unevenly, and the steering feels vague. Get it right and the car tracks straight with minimal effort.

Three angles matter most. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Toe is the inward or outward angle when viewed from above. Caster is the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis. Each affects handling and tire wear in different ways.

Signs you need an alignment

• Car pulls to one side on a straight road.
• Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight.
• Tires show uneven wear, especially on inner or outer edges.
• Steering feels loose or wanders.
• After hitting a curb or a large pothole.

Alignment shops use laser or camera targets mounted on the wheels and compare readings to the manufacturer's specifications. Front-end alignments are common. Four-wheel alignments cost more but matter on cars with independent rear suspension. New tires are a good time to check alignment, because misaligned wheels can destroy a fresh set in a few thousand miles. It is a small maintenance item that prevents expensive replacements.