Toe, camber and caster explained: what does the garage measure during a wheel alignment?

During a wheel alignment you will come across words like toe, camber and caster. The alignment report shows figures next to them. Below we explain in plain language what each angle means, what you notice when it is out and how to read the report. We also give the Dutch terms, because a Dutch garage or report may use them.

By the team at Autobedrijf Willemsbrug, RDW-approved APK (MOT) test station since 1979 · Updated 6 November 2026

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The short answer

During a wheel alignment the garage measures the position of the wheels in three angles. The toe (in Dutch: spoor or sporing) is the direction in which the wheels point, seen from above. The camber (wielvlucht) is how far the wheel tilts, seen from the front. The caster (naloop) is the tilt of the steering axis, seen from the side, and it matters for the steering feel and stability. If these angles are out, the car can pull to one side and the tyres can wear unevenly.

Alignment and suspension at Autobedrijf Willemsbrug: we measure all four wheels with our own alignment equipment and test the shock absorbers on a test drive and on the lift. We only align or replace what is needed, shock absorbers per axle. If the manufacturer asks for an alignment after a repair, it is included in the quote straight away. We tell you the price in advance based on your registration number. Call +31 10 479 00 00. You bring the car and we call you when it is ready. A loan bike is free while one is available. Wheel alignment on Saturdays too, shock absorbers on Saturdays by arrangement. Our team speaks English. More about wheel alignment or shock absorber replacement

What is toe?

Toe is the direction in which the wheels point, seen from above. Michelin describes it as the direction of the tyres in relation to the centre line of the car. According to Bridgestone, the toe is set so that the tyres roll parallel while you drive. In Dutch it is called spoor or sporing.

  • Toe-in: the fronts of the wheels point slightly inwards, towards each other. The Swiss motoring club TCS calls this Vorspur: the wheels are closer together at the front than at the back.
  • Toe-out: the fronts of the wheels point slightly outwards. The TCS calls this Nachspur.

According to Bosch, the toe has a direct effect on driving stability and on tyre wear. A typical wear pattern with incorrect toe is, according to Michelin, feathering: the tread blocks have a sharp edge on one side and a rounded edge on the other. The mechanic sets the toe of the front wheels with the tie rods. According to Bosch, the thread on the tie rod allows a precise adjustment during alignment.

What is camber?

Camber is how far the wheel tilts, seen from the front. Michelin describes camber as the angle at which the wheel deviates from the vertical, seen from the front of the car. The angle is expressed in degrees. In Dutch it is called wielvlucht.

  • Negative camber: the top of the wheel leans slightly inwards, towards the car.
  • Positive camber: the top of the wheel leans slightly outwards.

Slightly negative camber is common according to the TCS, because the tyre then has more lateral grip in a bend. According to Michelin, incorrect camber can cause uneven tyre wear. Michelin names wear on one edge of the tyre as a sign of an alignment problem.

What is caster?

Caster is the tilt of the steering axis, seen from the side: the axis the wheel turns around when you steer. Bridgestone describes that axis as an imaginary line through the centre of the upper and the lower ball joint of the suspension. According to Bridgestone, caster matters for the steering feel and for stability at higher speeds. In Dutch it is called naloop.

So you mainly notice caster in the steering. If the steering wheel returns poorly to the centre after a bend, Michelin and the TCS call that a sign to have the alignment measured. The cause can be in any of the angles or in a worn part. The mechanic only sees that after measuring.

What do you notice when the alignment is out?

You notice incorrect alignment in the steering and in the tyres. But not every sign is caused by the alignment. This table shows what the sources name for each sign:

What you notice Possible cause Source
The car pulls to one side when driving straight The alignment is the most common cause. A difference in tyre pressure, a seized brake caliper or the tyre itself can also cause it. ANWB, Michelin
The steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight Alignment Michelin, Bridgestone
The steering wheel returns poorly after a bend Alignment Michelin, TCS
Wear on the inner or outer edge of the tyre Alignment ANWB, Michelin
Feathering: tread blocks with one sharp and one rounded edge Toe Michelin
Wear in the centre of the tread Tyre pressure too high for too long Michelin
Wear on both edges Tyre pressure too low for too long Michelin
Wavy wear with cups in the tread Imbalance or the suspension, such as worn shock absorbers Michelin
The steering wheel vibrates on the motorway Usually wheel imbalance, not the alignment Michelin

Sources: ANWB (the Dutch motoring organisation), Michelin, Bridgestone and TCS, consulted November 2026.

That is why we look at the tyre pressure, the tyres and the brakes before we advise an alignment. More about wear patterns is in uneven tyre wear: the causes. The difference between alignment and balancing is in wheel balancing explained.

How do you read an alignment report?

An alignment report shows the measured angles for each wheel next to the manufacturer’s values. We measure all four wheels and adjust them to the manufacturer’s data. A report usually shows these items:

Item on the report What it means
Manufacturer’s value The angle the manufacturer specifies for your model, with the tolerance that is allowed.
Measured value before How the wheel was positioned when the car came in.
Measured value after How the wheel is positioned after the adjustment.
Toe per wheel and total toe The direction of each wheel and of the two wheels on one axle together.
Camber per wheel The tilt of each wheel, in degrees.
Caster per front wheel The tilt of the steering axis of the front wheel, in degrees.

What the report looks like differs per alignment machine.

Not every angle can be adjusted on every car. The mechanic sets the toe with the tie rods. According to KYB, some struts have adjustment holes to set the alignment. Which angles are adjustable on your car differs per model. If an angle is outside the manufacturer’s value and cannot be adjusted, we look for the cause, for example a worn or damaged part. After the adjustment we check that the steering wheel is straight when the car drives straight ahead.

After the alignment we show you what we measured and adjusted on your car, with the values before and after the adjustment. That way you can see for yourself whether it was needed and what has changed.

Are toe and camber checked at the APK?

At the APK (MOT), the compulsory Dutch vehicle inspection comparable to the British MOT, the toe and camber are not measured. The inspector does check that the wheels are not out of line with the body of the car. That is in article 5.2.22 of the APK manual of the RDW, the Dutch vehicle authority, under the title Wieluitlijning (wheel alignment).

According to that article, the distances between the pivot points of the wheels and two points on the chassis or body, measured on the left and the right, straight and diagonally, must not differ by more than 15 mm. The inspector looks first and only measures if in doubt. That is about a bent axle or suspension, for example after damage, and not about setting the toe. What else the inspector checks is in the APK checklist.

When should you have the angles measured?

Have the alignment measured if you notice one of the signs in the table above, after a hard knock or after replacing steering or suspension parts. There is no fixed interval. According to the ANWB, wheel alignment is not part of your car’s service schedule. The ANWB advises having the wheel position checked if you are in doubt.

  • After a hard knock: according to the ANWB, hitting a kerb or driving through a deep pothole can upset the alignment.
  • After a repair: according to the ANWB, the alignment can change after new control arms or ball joints. It is explained per part in wheel alignment after replacing suspension parts.
  • With new tyres: Michelin calls an alignment sensible if you want new tyres to last as long as possible. It is not compulsory. Read more in wheel alignment after new tyres.

Does your car have a camera behind the windscreen or a radar in the bumper or grille? Then that system may need to be set up again after an alignment or after work on the suspension. That depends on the make and model. We do not calibrate cameras or radar ourselves. That is done by the dealer or a specialist company. Ask about it when you book and we will check it for your car.

We measure all four wheels first. If an alignment is not needed, we tell you that too. How that works with us, including on Saturday by appointment, is on wheel alignment in Rotterdam.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between toe-in and toe-out?

With toe-in, the fronts of the wheels point slightly inwards, towards each other. With toe-out, they point slightly outwards. Which setting is right for your car is decided by the manufacturer. During an alignment we set the toe back to that value.

Is negative camber bad for the tyres?

No. Slightly negative camber is common according to the TCS, because the tyre then has more lateral grip in a bend. Only when the camber deviates too much from the manufacturer’s value can the tyre wear faster on one edge.

What is the difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing?

With an alignment, the mechanic sets the angles of the wheels back to the manufacturer’s values. With balancing, he makes sure the wheel and tyre turn without vibration. Michelin calls them two completely different things. A steering wheel that vibrates on the motorway usually calls for balancing, while a car that pulls to one side calls for an alignment check.

How often should I have toe and camber measured?

There is no fixed interval for it. According to the ANWB, wheel alignment is not part of your car’s service schedule. Have it measured if the car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is off-centre, the tyres wear unevenly, after a hard knock or after replacing steering or suspension parts.

Does the toe change after a new tie rod end?

Yes. The tie rod is what sets the toe. That is why we set the toe again after a new tie rod end. That is in the quote in advance.

What does measuring and adjusting the alignment cost?

According to the ANWB, a standard alignment usually costs € 70 to € 120 including labour and takes 30 to 60 minutes on average (consulted November 2026). That is a market indication. We tell you your price in advance based on your registration number (kenteken). Call +31 10 479 00 00.

Why is my steering wheel off-centre when the car drives straight?

A steering wheel that is off-centre when driving straight is, according to Michelin, a sign that the alignment is out. Have the alignment measured. After the adjustment we check that the steering wheel is straight.

Car pulling to one side? Have the alignment measured

Call +31 10 479 00 00. We measure all four wheels first. If an alignment is not needed, we tell you that too.

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip). We work by appointment. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment.

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