Wheel alignment — the orientation of the tires relative to each other and to the road surface — affects tire wear, fuel economy, handling stability, and steering feel simultaneously. A car with incorrect alignment is a car that is consuming tires unevenly, potentially using more fuel than necessary, and handling in ways that differ from its design intention without giving the driver an obvious indication that something is wrong. The deterioration is gradual enough that many drivers adapt to it without noticing until a tire is worn through on one edge or the car pulls strongly enough to require constant steering correction.