A wheel alignment is a maintenance procedure done on vehicles periodically to ensure that they run smoothly by providing optimal tire wear and handling. Vehicle misalignment doesn’t just make driving uncomfortable; it can also create several safety issues and damage your car’s tires.
If your car is out of alignment, it means that the wheels are not pointed in the correct direction. When your car is in alignment, the wheels should be pointed perfectly straight ahead and parallel to each other. Alignment is important because it determines how well your vehicle drives down the road and how long your tires will last.
What Is Alignment?
Your vehicle’s wheels are constantly moving, and they must be aligned to function properly. Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the position of all four wheels in relation to one another. The process equalizes your car’s tire wear and improves vehicle handling and fuel economy. The suspension system (which connects a vehicle to its wheels) maintains the wheels’ proper alignment. An alignment problem can affect the steering wheel, suspension, and tires.
Four Signs Your Vehicle May Need an Alignment
Uneven Tire Wear
One of the most common signs that your vehicle might need a wheel alignment is uneven tire wear. If your tires are not aligned properly, it can cause them to wear out faster than they should, requiring you to buy new tires more often than you may have expected. The most common form of uneven tire wear is cupping. This occurs when there is an abnormal wear pattern that looks like a cup or dip in the tire tread. This is often caused by driving with a misaligned vehicle and will eventually cause your tires to go bald.
An unaligned steering system can cause tire wear. Check the treads on all four tires, and if they wear unevenly, it may mean that the valves need to be adjusted or the wheels need aligning. Worn suspension parts and hard braking can also cause it.
Vibrations
If you feel vibrations in your steering wheel or seat as you’re driving down the road, it could be another sign that your car needs a wheel alignment. Vibrations may show that your tires are wearing unevenly. More than likely, worn or damaged suspension components that need replacements caused the problem. If you feel any irregular vibrations while driving, get it checked out right away.
Pulling to One Side
If you find your vehicle pulls to the right or left when you intend to go straight, it’s a good sign that you need a wheel alignment. Your front end should not pull in one direction when driving on a level road, so if it does, there’s something wrong with the suspension or steering system. This happens because the tires are not evenly placed on the road and thus pull in different directions.
This issue can be dangerous if not addressed quickly, especially if this happens on busy roads or highways when passing other cars or switching lanes while driving at high speeds. So if you notice your vehicle is pulling to one side, get it checked out right away by a mechanic.
Squealing Tires
Various issues could cause this, but one issue would be improper alignment. When a vehicle does not have proper alignment, this will cause the tires to squeal as you take turns or when you are braking. Tires make noise for many reasons, but if they continue to squeal after balancing and rotation, an alignment can help fix this issue and prevent further tire damage.
Conclusion
Your car’s wheels work in harmony with the suspension system to help keep your ride smooth and safe. The suspension system keeps things in alignment. If anything gets out of line, it can affect how your car drives. That’s why wheel alignment is so important. It is recommended that you get a wheel alignment every 6,000-8,000 miles, or once a year, whichever comes first. If you notice any of these four signs, your vehicle may need an alignment.
We do the best alignments including low profile cars. We can do a complimentary alignment check in five minutes, contact us today! Our phone number is 844-935-0155.