🤔 “My car is drifting to one side… is that normal?”
That’s exactly what a friend of mine asked recently. His Swift started pulling left on the highway even though the road was straight. At first, he thought maybe the road was tilted, but when it kept happening again and again—turned out the wheel alignment was off.
If you’ve experienced something similar—or your steering feels weird while driving—your car might need a wheel alignment.
Table of Contents
🧾 What is Wheel Alignment?
In simple terms: Wheel alignment means adjusting your vehicle’s suspension and wheel angles so that your tyres are aligned perfectly and wear evenly.
Indian roads—full of potholes, uneven humps, and sudden u-turns—can easily mess with alignment. Even a small bump can knock your wheels out of alignment.
⚠️ Top 6 Signs Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment
1. Your Car Pulls to One Side
If you let go of the steering wheel while driving straight and the car drifts left or right—that’s a strong sign of misalignment.
2. Steering Wheel Is Off-Center
When driving straight, your steering wheel should also be straight. If it’s tilted to one side, your wheels likely aren’t aligned properly.
3. Steering Vibration at Higher Speeds
A vibrating or shaky steering wheel—especially around 80–100 km/h—can signal misaligned wheels or unbalanced tyres.
4. Uneven Tyre Wear
If you notice one side of your tyre (like the inside edge) is more worn than the other, it means your wheels are angled wrong.
5. Loose or Wandering Steering
Does your car feel “floaty” or like you’re constantly adjusting it while driving straight? This usually points to toe or caster misalignment.
6. Tyre Squealing When Turning
If you hear a squealing sound when turning at low speeds, it could be your tyres fighting the road because of bad alignment.
7 Tips to Save Petrol in City Traffic
📸 Quick DIY Wheel Alignment Check (At Home)
Here’s a simple way to test it yourself:
- Find a flat, open stretch of road (avoid sloped areas).
- Gently let go of the steering wheel while driving straight.
- If the car drifts to one side or the steering doesn’t stay centered, chances are your alignment is off.
- Also, inspect your tyres for uneven tread wear.
Firestone: When to Get Wheel Alignment
💡 Why Alignment Matters
| Problem | Impact on Your Car |
|---|---|
| Car pulls to one side | Unsafe driving, poor handling |
| Off-center steering | Strain on suspension and tyres |
| Uneven tyre wear | Reduced tyre life, extra replacement cost |
| Steering vibration | Risky at high speeds |
| Increased fuel use | Misaligned tyres increase resistance |
💸 Wheel Alignment Cost in India (2025 Estimates)
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Hatchback (e.g., Swift) | ₹600 – ₹900 |
| Sedan (e.g., Honda City) | ₹700 – ₹1,000 |
| SUV (e.g., Creta) | ₹900 – ₹1,300 |
Pro Tip: Get wheel balancing + alignment done together—it improves handling and tyre life.
Michelin India: Tyre Safety Tips
📅 When Should You Get Wheel Alignment Done?
- After hitting a pothole, kerb, or bump
- When you install new tyres
- Every 6 months or every 10,000 km (whichever is earlier)
- Before a long road trip
Hidden Car Features Most Owners Miss
🙋♂️ Personal Tip
I once delayed wheel alignment and ended up ruining a ₹6,000 tyre within months. Ever since, I get alignment checked with every service. Trust me, ₹800 spent today can save ₹8,000 later.
📢 Your Turn!
Have you ever noticed your car pulling to one side or vibrating at speed?
Share your experience in the comments—it might help others catch the signs early too.
FAQ ( How to Know If Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment )
How often should I get my car’s wheel alignment checked?
It’s recommended to check wheel alignment every 6 months or 10,000 km, whichever comes first. Also, after hitting a pothole or kerb, get it inspected immediately.
What happens if I drive with bad alignment?
Driving with bad alignment causes uneven tyre wear, poor fuel efficiency, loose steering, and unsafe handling at high speeds. It also puts extra pressure on suspension parts.
How can I test if my car is misaligned at home?
Drive your car on a flat, straight road and gently let go of the steering wheel. If the car drifts to one side or the steering feels off-center, your wheels are likely misaligned.
Is wheel alignment the same as wheel balancing?
No. Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the tyres, while wheel balancing ensures even weight distribution on each wheel to prevent vibrations.
What is the cost of wheel alignment in India in 2025?
In 2025, wheel alignment costs range from ₹600–₹900 for hatchbacks, and up to ₹1,300 for SUVs, depending on your city and vehicle type.
