How to Do a Wheel Alignment at Home

The position of a vehicles wheels with regard to both wheels and to the vehicle body is called the wheel alignment. Making sure the wheels are aligned properly is an important safety factor and can adversely affect how a vehicle drives. Depending on the make of your car, you may be able to adjust the alignment at home; however, check your car manual. Some cars require technical instruments and professional knowledge.

Requirements:

• Floor jack


• Jack stands


• Car manufacturer's manual


• Long straight pole, bar or stick


• Level Area

1. Check the car manufacturer's manual to find out the proper toe setting for your vehicle.

2. Park your car on a level area. Center the steering wheel before turning off the ignition.

3. Jack the car up with the floor jack. Place the jack stands under each front wheel.

4. Hold the straight pole, bar, or stick lightly against the edge of the fender over the wheel, then move the pole, bar or stick downward over the tire. The pole, bar or stick should make it easy to tell if your wheel is straight or not.

5. Determine which direction your tire is pointing to determine whether adjustment is required and in what direction, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Make the necessary adjustments, and then turn the steering wheel left, right and then center. 

7. Place the stick in the center of the wheel as before to find out if it is straight. If is still not straight, continue making adjustments.

8. Repeat these steps with the other wheel.

Note: this is a temporary adjustment until you can take the car into a professional.