Do I need an alignment after switching to winter tyres?

A seasonal tyre swap alone does not throw off the alignment. It is still worth checking it when buying new tyres or if the car has started pulling to one side.

Does the alignment need to be done on both axles?

In many cars the rear axle is not adjustable, so the front is enough. When the rear is adjustable or has had repairs, we align both axles.

Wheel Alignment — When to Get It and How to Spot a Bad One

Misaligned wheels mean faster tyre wear, worse handling and higher fuel use. We explain when to get an alignment done and why it is worth checking the suspension first.

4 min read · Pulsecar team · updated: 26 Sep 2026

What wheel alignment is

Alignment is the setting of the wheel angles relative to each other and to the body. The key parameters are toe (whether the wheels "look" parallel), camber (the wheel’s tilt from vertical) and caster. In a typical passenger car we mainly adjust toe, and in many cars camber as well.

Symptoms of bad alignment

The car pulls to one side on a straight road.
The steering wheel sits crooked when driving straight ahead.
The tyres wear on the inner or outer edge.
The tyres squeal on gentle turns.
The car "floats" or responds worse to steering input.

When to get an alignment

After replacing control arms, tie rods or tie rod ends, or shock absorbers.
After a hard hit to a kerb or a pothole.
When buying new tyres.
As a yearly check.

Why the suspension comes first

If there is play in the suspension or steering, even a perfectly set alignment will quickly drift out again. That is why, before measuring, we check the car on a play detector and tell you what may need repairing first.

How much wheel alignment costs

At Pulsecar, aligning one axle costs 150 PLN (about 30 min), and both axles cost 300 PLN (about 50 min). Suspension diagnostics cost 100 PLN.