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Anon

I have a 2003 Holden Astra. In July I had the wheels aligned as the car was pulling to the left.

My partner drove my car the other day and noticed it is again/still pulling to the left. How long should alignments last for?

I must have done less than 1,000kms in the last three months.

Rebecca

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 1 December 2009

jbiddle

While it is possible the wheel alignment can change in such a short time it is highly unlikely.

The more likely cause of the pulling is the tyres. Because the tyres develop a particular wear pattern when the alignment is out of spec, they will often continue to allow the car to drift or pull after the alignment has been reset.

One way to confirm this is to move the front tyres to the rear and vice-versa.

Failing that you may need to get the wheel alignment rechecked along with the tyres and the rest of the suspension.

And don't forget to check the tyre pressures.