A Car’s Wheel Alignment Explained: What it is, and Why You Should Care

An automotive technician removes a tire from a car that's wearing unevenly due to a poor alignment
A bald tire is being replaced with new tires, with an alignment to followCredit: champpixs on iStock

When you take your car to get a new set of tires installed, get your tires rotated, or even to a shop after a small accident, you may have heard your mechanic (or uncle, brother, dad, sister, or cousin) recommend getting a wheel alignment.

An alignment, as the name implies, helps your car drive in a straight line. The “why” may seem simple, though many can’t explain it in a way that doesn’t leave the car-confused scratching their heads even harder.

I didn’t realize what exactly it was until recently. I also learned what the heck a “camber” and a “toe” mean with an alignment, and most importantly, why every girl I know should have a well-rounded understanding of it.

This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledgeextensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used.

I Didn’t Learn about Bad Wheel Alignment Until it was Too Late

A graphic with A Girls Guide to Cars visually explains what camber is in relation to a car's alignment
Credit: Estee Reiss

So, What Makes Up Wheel Alignment?

A graphic visually explains how a caster on an alignment works for a car, showing the angle pointing to the front or back
Credit: Estee Reiss

How Does the Car’s Wheel Alignment Get Out Of Place Anyways?

A Girls Guide to Cars | A Car's Wheel Alignment Explained: What it is, and Why You Should Care - estee graphic3
Credit: Estee Reiss

If Something Like the Above Happens, What Should I Do?

An automotive technician removes a tire from a car that's wearing unevenly due to a poor alignment
Credit: champpixs on iStock

What Else Can I Do to Prevent the Tires from Wearing Unevenly? 

My old, worn tires
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Temperature Can Be a Threat to Tires, Too

A car with snow tires is parked on ice to show tread depth and tire detail
Credit: Milan Krasula on iStock

So, What Should You Take From This?

Winter tires grip the snow for better traction eBay motors
Credit: Scotty Reiss
Social media marketer, avid hiker, snowboarder and student, Estee Reiss loves all things outdoors, social media and cars. A ... More about Estee Reiss
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