How can a vehicle's alignment be affected?

A vehicle's alignment can be significantly affected by various factors, and one of the primary ones is worn control arm bushings. Control arm bushings serve as the pivot point for the control arms and help maintain proper geometry of the suspension system. When these bushings are worn or damaged, they can allow excessive movement or misalignment of the suspension components, leading to an improper alignment of the wheels. This misalignment can result in uneven tire wear, adversely affect the vehicle's handling, and potentially cause safety issues while driving.

While other factors, such as improper tire pressure, can influence tire performance and wear, they do not directly cause an alignment issue. Regular tire rotations are a maintenance practice designed to promote even tire wear and do not influence alignment directly; however, neglecting alignment may lead to reduced effectiveness of this practice. Therefore, worn control arm bushings stand out as a direct cause of alignment problems.