How Do I Know If My Car Needs a Wheel Alignment?

Your car's wheels might look straight, but even a small misalignment can affect the way it drives, wears out tyres faster, and uses more fuel than it should. Over time, Perth roads, kerbs, and everyday driving can all knock your alignment slightly out of place.

At New Town Toyota in East Victoria Park, our technicians often get asked, "How do I know if my car needs a wheel alignment?" If your steering feels off or your tyres are wearing unevenly, your alignment could be the culprit. Here's how to tell.

The easiest sign to spot is a crooked steering wheel when driving on a straight, flat road. If your wheel needs to sit slightly left or right for the car to stay centred, it's usually a sign your alignment is off. A proper alignment keeps your steering wheel level and your car tracking straight without any effort. You'll notice this most on long, straight stretches like Shepperton Road, Great Eastern Highway, or Leach Highway.

If you take your hands lightly off the steering wheel and your car starts drifting left or right, that's a classic sign of misalignment. This can happen gradually and might feel subtle at first. Over time, you'll notice yourself constantly correcting the steering to keep straight. That's a cue to book in an alignment check before the issue starts wearing your tyres unevenly. Perth drivers in Victoria Park, Rivervale, and Belmont often notice pulling after navigating the tight corners and roundabouts around the inner suburbs.

Your Steering Feels Heavy or Loose 

Misalignment can make steering feel heavier than usual or too light and twitchy, depending on which way it's off. Either change can affect how confidently your car corners or tracks on the highway. An alignment brings the suspension geometry back into balance, restoring a smoother, more predictable steering feel. This is especially noticeable for drivers commuting on busy roads like Albany Highway, Orrong Road, or the Graham Farmer Freeway.

You’ve Hit a Kerb, Pothole, or Speed Hump Hard

Even if your car feels fine afterward, a solid impact can shift your wheel alignment. Perth's roads, speed bumps, and driveways can easily jolt your suspension out of alignment, especially if you're driving a low or heavily loaded vehicle.

Anyone who regularly drives through suburbs like Lathlain, Carlisle, Bentley, or St James knows that older roads, tight car parks, and raised speed humps can catch you off guard. The same goes for navigating shopping centre car parks at Westfield Carousel, Belmont Forum, or Victoria Park Central. It's worth getting your alignment checked after any noticeable bump or scrape. Catching it early prevents further wear on tyres and suspension parts.

Your Car Feels Unstable at Higher Speeds

If your vehicle starts to wander or shake slightly at highway speeds, misaligned wheels can often be the cause. When your wheels aren't properly aligned, they fight against each other rather than rolling evenly, which can reduce stability and control.