If your car drifts to one side when you let go of the wheel, the cause is usually an alignment problem, a tire problem, or both. Here's how to tell the difference.

Signs it's your alignment

• The steering wheel is off-center when you drive straight
• The car pulls steadily to one side on a flat road
• Your tires are wearing on the inside or outside edges
• The car wanders or feels loose on the highway

Hitting a pothole or curb, worn steering and suspension parts, and lifting or lowering a vehicle can all knock your alignment out of spec.

Signs it's your tires

• One tire is low on air. Uneven tire pressure is one of the most common causes of pulling, so check it first.
• The pull started right after new tires were installed or your tires were rotated
• You feel a vibration at certain speeds, which can point to tire balance
• A tire has a bulge, uneven wear or other damage

Why it matters

Driving out of alignment wears tires out faster and can shorten the life of a new set. An alignment usually costs far less than replacing tires early. That's why we recommend an alignment check whenever you buy new tires.

How we find the cause

We check your tire pressure and tire condition, inspect your steering and suspension for worn parts, and measure your alignment. Then we send you a digital inspection with photos so you can see exactly what we found.

Wheel alignment and tires in Lemoore, CA

Lemoore Tire and Auto sells tires and performs wheel alignments at 601 N Lemoore Ave. Shop tires or call (559) 924-5360 to schedule a check. Free shuttle and loaner cars are available, including to NAS Lemoore.