Most drivers only think about alignment after they hit a curb or notice the car pulling to one side — but poor alignment can start long before you realize it. Over time, even small misalignments can quietly chew through your tires, strain your suspension, and cost you hundreds in premature wear.
At L.A.W. Inc Auto Repair, we see it all the time: tires that should have lasted 50,000 miles are bald after 25,000 — and the culprit is almost always alignment.
What Alignment Actually Does
Alignment isn’t about steering your car straight down the road. It’s about precision angles — camber, caster, and toe — that ensure your tires meet the pavement evenly.
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Camber controls how much your tires tilt inward or outward.
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Toe determines whether your tires point slightly inward or outward.
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Caster affects stability and steering return.
When any of these angles shift, your tires drag instead of roll smoothly. That tiny bit of resistance adds up fast.
Signs Your Alignment Is Off
If you’ve noticed any of the following, it’s time to schedule a checkup:
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Your car pulls or drifts to one side
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The steering wheel vibrates or isn’t centered
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Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges
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A “squealing” sound from your tires at low speeds
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You recently hit a pothole or curb (Nashville drivers know this one well!)
Even if your car feels fine, misalignment can start within a few millimeters — invisible to the eye but costly over time.
How Misalignment Wastes Money
Ignoring alignment does more than shorten tire life. It:
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Forces your engine to work harder, reducing fuel efficiency.
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Increases wear on suspension parts, like struts, shocks, and bushings.
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Makes steering unpredictable, especially in wet or slick conditions.
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Leads to early tire replacement, which can cost hundreds per set.
Think of alignment as a low-cost insurance policy for your tires and your wallet.
When to Get an Alignment
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After replacing tires or suspension components
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Every 6,000–10,000 miles, or about twice a year for Nashville’s rough roads
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Whenever you notice uneven wear or handling changes
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After any major pothole or curb impact
Keeping your alignment in check ensures that your tires wear evenly, your steering feels sharp, and your car runs more efficiently.
Drive Straight. Save Tires. Save Money.
If your car’s pulling, your steering wheel’s crooked, or your tires are wearing unevenly, it’s time for a professional alignment.
The technicians at L.A.W. Inc Auto Repair use advanced alignment systems to restore your car’s factory specs — giving you better handling, longer tire life, and a smoother ride.