Wheel Alignment
Wheel Alignments in Central Virginia
Professional Wheel Alignment Services

Proper Alignment Means Safer, and Easier Car to Drive
A properly aligned vehicle is safer to drive, easier to handle, and more efficient on the road. Wheel alignments are an essential part of routine vehicle maintenance, helping your tires wear evenly while improving steering response, fuel economy, and overall driving comfort.
Over time, everyday driving, potholes, curb impacts, and rough road conditions can cause your vehicle’s alignment to shift. Even a slight misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and unnecessary strain on suspension and steering components.
At Ferber’s Tire & Auto Service, with locations in Ashland at 106 Junction Drive Ashland, VA 23005, and 10383 Leadbetter Road Ashland, VA 23005, in Fredericksburg at 9407 Onyx Court Fredericksburg, VA 22407, and we have two locations in Midlothian. One at 11201 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235, and the other at 13937 Hull Street Rd N, Midlothian, VA 23112. Visit any of our 5 central Virginia locations, where our technicians use advanced alignment equipment to restore your vehicle’s alignment to manufacturer specifications, helping maximize tire life and improve overall performance.
What Is a Wheel Alignment?
A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your vehicle’s wheels so they are positioned according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Contrary to what many drivers believe, a wheel alignment doesn’t adjust the tires themselves—it adjusts the suspension components that determine how the tires contact the road.
During a professional alignment, technicians measure and adjust three primary alignment angles:
- Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle.
- Caster affects steering stability and how well the steering wheel returns to center after making a turn.
- Toe measures whether the front of the tires point slightly inward or outward when viewed from above. Even small toe adjustments can significantly affect tire wear.
Properly adjusting these angles helps your vehicle drive straight, improves handling, and reduces unnecessary tire wear.
Signs Your Vehicle May Need a Wheel Alignment
Alignment issues often develop gradually, making them difficult to notice until they begin affecting how the vehicle drives. Common signs include:
- The vehicle pulls to one side
- The steering wheel is off-center while driving straight
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Loose or wandering steering
- Steering wheel vibration
- Squealing tires during turns
- Poor handling or reduced stability
If you notice any of these symptoms, having your alignment checked can help prevent additional tire wear and improve overall vehicle safety.
Our Certified Auto & Body Repair Services
What Causes Wheel Alignment Problems
Wheel alignment can change for a variety of reasons, even during normal driving.
Some of the most common causes include driving over potholes, hitting curbs, rough road conditions, worn suspension components, minor collisions, or replacing steering and suspension parts. If your vehicle has damaged shocks, struts, ball joints, or control arms, simply adjusting the alignment may not fully correct the problem. In these situations, suspension repairs should be completed before a wheel alignment to ensure the alignment can be properly adjusted and maintained. Learn more about our Suspension Repair services.
Because many alignment issues develop gradually, regular inspections are an effective way to identify problems before they become more expensive.
Why Wheel Alignments Matter
Many drivers think wheel alignments are only necessary after replacing tires, but maintaining proper alignment provides benefits throughout the life of your vehicle.
A correctly aligned vehicle offers improved steering precision, more predictable handling, longer tire life, and better fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance. Proper alignment also reduces unnecessary stress on suspension and steering components, helping extend their service life. By correcting alignment issues early, drivers often avoid premature tire replacement and more extensive suspension repairs.
You should consider having your alignment checked if:
- You replace suspension or steering components. Most manufacturers recommend performing a wheel alignment after suspension repairs to restore proper handling and maximize tire life.
- You notice uneven tire wear.
- Your vehicle begins pulling to one side.
- You’ve struck a pothole or curb.
- You’ve been involved in a minor collision.
Including alignment inspections as part of your regular maintenance routine helps ensure your vehicle continues handling safely and efficiently.
Wheel Alignments vs. Tire Balancing
Wheel alignments and tire balancing are often confused, but they solve different problems.
- A wheel alignment adjusts the suspension angles so the tires meet the road correctly, improving handling and reducing uneven tire wear.
- Tire balancing corrects uneven weight distribution within the tire and wheel assembly, reducing vibrations that may occur at highway speeds.
Many vehicles benefit from both services, particularly after purchasing new tires or replacing suspension components.
Keep Your Vehicle Driving Straight
Today’s vehicles require precise alignment measurements that cannot be accurately performed by visual inspection alone. Computerized alignment systems measure wheel angles within fractions of a degree, allowing technicians to make exact adjustments based on manufacturer specifications.
Professional alignment equipment also helps identify worn suspension or steering components that may need attention before an alignment can be completed successfully.
A properly aligned vehicle delivers a smoother ride, improved handling, better fuel economy, and longer tire life. Regular alignment inspections help protect your tires, improve driving confidence, and reduce unnecessary wear on steering and suspension components.
Whether you’ve noticed your vehicle pulling to one side or simply want to protect your investment, contact Ferber’s Tire & Auto to schedule a professional wheel alignment, as it is one of the most effective maintenance services for keeping your vehicle performing at its best. Schedule your appointment today by contacting any of our central Virginia locations. In Ashland call either 804-550-2886, or 804-550-2886. In Fredericksburg, call (540) 898-8324, and in Midlothian, call (804) 665-9500, and (804) 601-1110.