Alignment Symptoms & Causes

How to Recognize Alignment Problems and What’s Really Causing Them

Wheel alignment problems rarely appear out of nowhere. In most cases, your vehicle gives you warning signs long before tire damage or handling issues become severe. The challenge is that many alignment symptoms feel subtle at first or get mistaken for tire or balance issues.

This page is designed for high-intent diagnostic searches. If something feels wrong while driving, the sections below explain what the symptom usually means, what causes it, and why addressing alignment issues early can save money and prevent more extensive repairs.

Car Pulling to One Side

If your vehicle consistently drifts or pulls left or right on a straight road, alignment is one of the most common causes.

What This Usually Means

A pulling sensation often points to:

  • Uneven alignment angles between the front wheels
  • Camber or toe angles out of specification
  • Rear wheels not tracking straight, causing the vehicle to “dog track”

While tire pressure differences can also cause pulling, alignment issues are far more common when the problem persists even after pressures are corrected.

Why It Matters

Driving with a pull requires constant steering correction. Over time, this can:

  • Accelerate tire wear on one side
  • Increase driver fatigue
  • Reduce control during emergency maneuvers

If your vehicle pulls to the left or right on smooth, flat roads, a wheel alignment inspection is the next step.

Steering Wheel Off Center

steering wheel off center caused by alignment problems

Common Causes

  • Improper toe adjustment
  • Alignment performed incorrectly or incompletely
  • Alignment shifted after a pothole or curb impact

In many cases, the vehicle may still drive straight, but the steering wheel is no longer centered.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

An off-center steering wheel often indicates the wheels are not pointing straight ahead. Over time, this can:

  • Lead to uneven tire wear
  • Mask deeper alignment problems
  • Reduce steering precision

Correcting this issue usually requires a precise front or four-wheel alignment, depending on the vehicle.

Uneven Tire Wear From Alignment Issues

uneven tire wear caused by misalignment

Common Alignment-Related Wear Patterns

  • Inside or outside edge wear from camber issues
  • Feathered tread from incorrect toe
  • Scalloping or cupping when alignment and suspension issues combine

These wear patterns dramatically shorten tire life, sometimes by tens of thousands of miles.

Why Alignment Is Often the Root Cause

Tires wear unevenly when they are dragged or scrubbed across the road instead of rolling straight. Alignment angles control how each tire meets the pavement.

If uneven wear is visible, it’s important to address alignment before installing new tires. Otherwise, new tires can develop the same wear quickly. This is why alignment is often recommended with new tire installation.

Vehicle Shaking After Hitting a Pothole

pothole impact affecting wheel alignment

What Happens During a Pothole Impact

  • Suspension components absorb sudden force
  • Wheels can shift slightly out of position
  • Alignment angles can change without visible damage

Even if the tire does not go flat, the impact may be enough to cause vibration or pulling.

Common Symptoms After a Pothole

  • Steering wheel vibration
  • Vehicle pulling to one side
  • Steering wheel no longer centered

If shaking or pulling starts immediately after hitting a pothole, an alignment check should be performed before assuming it’s just a tire balance issue.

Vehicle Shaking at High Speeds on the Highway

High-speed shaking can be alarming and should never be ignored.

Possible Causes Related to Alignment

  • Severe toe misalignment
  • Uneven tire wear caused by alignment issues
  • Alignment combined with tire balance problems

While tire balance is often blamed first, alignment frequently plays a role, especially when vibration worsens gradually rather than suddenly.

Why Speed Makes It Worse

At higher speeds, even small alignment errors create greater forces. This can amplify vibration and make the vehicle feel unstable.

A combined alignment and tire inspection helps determine whether the root cause is alignment, balance, tire wear, or a combination of these factors.

Alignment Issues After Suspension Repair

Many drivers are surprised to learn that alignment is often required after suspension work.

Why Suspension Repairs Affect Alignment

Suspension components control wheel positioning. When parts are replaced, such as:

The alignment angles are altered, even if the new parts are installed correctly.

What Happens If Alignment Is Skipped

  • Steering wheel may be off-center
  • Tires may wear unevenly
  • Handling may feel loose or unstable

This is why alignment is commonly recommended after suspension or steering repairs. Skipping it can undo the benefits of the repair.

Does Hitting a Curb Affect Alignment?

Yes, hitting a curb can absolutely affect alignment, even at low speeds.

How Curbs Cause Alignment Problems

  • Sudden lateral force pushes wheels out of alignment
  • Suspension components can bend slightly
  • Wheel angles shift without obvious visual damage

Unlike potholes, curb impacts often affect one side more than the other, leading to pulling or steering wheel misalignment.

Signs Alignment Was Affected

  • Vehicle pulls toward the side of impact
  • Steering wheel is no longer centered
  • New vibration or tire noise appears

If you’ve clipped a curb, it’s wise to schedule an alignment inspection even if the vehicle seems mostly fine.

Additional Common Alignment-Related Symptoms

Some alignment issues show up in less obvious ways.

Steering Wheel Does Not Return to Center

After turning the steering wheel should naturally straighten. If it does not:

  • Caster angle may be out of specification
  • Steering stability can be reduced

Squealing Tires During Turns

Unusual tire noise when turning at low speeds can indicate:

  • Toe issues
  • Tires being dragged instead of rolling smoothly

Vehicle Feels Unstable or Wanders

If the vehicle feels loose or requires constant correction:

  • Alignment angles may be off
  • Rear wheels may not be tracking straight

These symptoms often develop gradually and are easy to overlook until tire wear becomes visible.

Why Alignment Problems Get Worse Over Time

Alignment issues rarely fix themselves. In fact, they tend to accelerate.

As tires wear unevenly:

  • Handling becomes less predictable
  • Noise and vibration increase
  • Tire replacement becomes unavoidable

Catching alignment issues early often means the difference between a simple adjustment and premature tire replacement.

What Causes Alignment to Go Out of Spec?

Common causes include:

  • Potholes and road hazards
  • Curb impacts
  • Normal wear of suspension components
  • Vehicle age and mileage
  • Improper or incomplete previous alignments

Even careful drivers can experience alignment issues simply due to road conditions.

When to Get Alignment Checked

You should consider an alignment check if:

  • Your vehicle pulls or wanders
  • The steering wheel is off-center
  • Tires show uneven wear
  • You hit a pothole or curb
  • Suspension work was performed

An alignment check is often quick and can prevent much larger expenses later.

Alignment and Tire Life Are Directly Connected

Tires are a significant investment. Alignment issues can quickly undermine that investment if left unaddressed.

That’s why alignment is commonly recommended alongside:

Addressing alignment ensures new tires wear evenly and last as long as intended.

Why a Professional Diagnosis Matters

Alignment issues can feel similar to tire balance, suspension, or wheel problems. Guessing often leads to unnecessary repairs.

A professional alignment inspection uses precision equipment to:

  • Measure actual wheel angles
  • Compare them to factory specifications
  • Identify whether adjustment or repair is needed

At Colony Tire & Service, alignment diagnostics are based on real-world driving conditions common across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, not generic assumptions.

Alignment symptoms often start small but become costly if ignored. Pulling, steering wheel issues, vibration, and uneven tire wear are all signs that your vehicle’s alignment may be off.

Road hazards, curbs, potholes, and suspension repairs are common causes. The sooner alignment problems are diagnosed, the easier and less expensive they are to correct.If your vehicle doesn’t feel right, scheduling a wheel alignment inspection is one of the most effective ways to restore safe handling, protect your tires, and drive with confidence.