Why You Shouldn’t Forget An Alignment After Changing Your Ride Height

By Daren Foertsch

If you’ve recently lifted or lowered your vehicle, you might be enjoying the fresh stance and improved performance. But have you checked your alignment?

Many car enthusiasts focus on the aesthetics and handling benefits of adjusting ride height while forgetting one crucial detail: wheel alignment. Ignoring alignment after a height adjustment can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even long-term suspension damage.

Your vehicle’s suspension system is carefully engineered to work within specific angles and measurements. When you raise or lower your ride, you alter key alignment angles, including camber, toe, and caster. Camber refers to the tilt of the wheels inward or outward. A change in ride height can result in excessive negative or positive camber, causing uneven tire wear and reducing traction. 

Toe, on the other hand, determines the direction the tires point relative to each other. Improper toe settings can cause the vehicle to pull to one side or create excessive tire scrubbing, which leads to premature tire wear. Caster, the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis, affects straight-line stability. Adjusting ride height can shift caster angles, altering steering feel and making the car harder to control.

Failing to check and correct alignment after modifying your ride height can lead to several issues. One of the most immediate problems is premature tire wear. Misalignment causes uneven tire contact with the road, wearing out certain areas of the tire much faster than others. This not only shortens the lifespan of your tires but also reduces traction and handling performance.

Additionally, poor alignment results in a compromised driving experience. You may notice unpredictable steering response, drifting, or difficulty maintaining control at high speeds. Beyond handling issues, misalignment puts extra stress on suspension components. Over time, this added strain can lead to premature failure of critical parts such as bushings, ball joints, and tie rods, potentially leading to expensive repairs.

It’s crucial to check your alignment immediately after adjusting ride height and to continue monitoring it periodically, especially if you drive on rough roads or push your vehicle on the track.

If your car pulls to one side, your steering feels loose or off-center, you notice uneven tire wear, or you experience excessive vibration, these are all signs that your alignment is off. Addressing these issues early can prevent bigger problems down the road.

At Legends Auto Parts, we have everything you need to get the fitment on your vehicle to your liking. Whether you’re lifting a truck for off-road adventures or lowering your car for street performance, don’t forget to schedule a professional alignment after making changes!

A properly aligned vehicle ensures better handling, even tire wear, and a longer-lasting suspension. Don’t let poor alignment ruin the benefits of your upgraded ride height—get your wheels dialed in and enjoy the road with confidence!