Wheel Alignment & Balancing is the process of making sure tires are properly installed on your vehicle - somewhat parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. The goal is to make sure alignment is maintained, and tire wear is distributed evenly.
There is no clear-cut interval when alignment should be checked, but it is a good idea to do it twice a year whether you see any damage or not. Unfortunately, there are only two options when it comes to wheel alignment: (1) wait to see the irreversible damage on your tires or (2) be proactive.
Many service centers offer free alignment checks, so if you hit a pothole too fast or knock into a curb, you probably should consider checking it during your next vehicle maintenance visit.