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, the winding roads, gravel edges, and steep driveways of the Perth Hills can all knock your alignment slightly out of place.

At Kalamunda Toyota, 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.

Your Steering Wheel Isn't Straight

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 straighter stretches like Kalamunda Road, Welshpool Road East, or Roe Highway.

Your Car Pulls to One Side

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. Drivers in Kalamunda, Lesmurdie, and Gooseberry Hill often notice pulling after navigating the tight bends and steep descents common throughout the hills.

Unever or Rapid Wear and Tear

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 Kalamunda, Walliston, Carmel, or Piesse Brook knows that narrow roads, loose shoulders, and unexpected potholes can catch you off guard. The same goes for navigating car parks at Kalamunda Central, Forrestfield Forum, or High Wycombe Shopping Centre. 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. This is especially important before long trips or towing, where precision handling matters most. If you're heading down south for the weekend, towing a caravan to Dwellingup, or driving to the Avon Valley, getting your alignment checked first is a smart move. For drivers in High Wycombe, Forrestfield, and Maida Vale who regularly use Roe Highway or Tonkin Highway, stable handling at speed is essential for safe, confident driving.