One of the most important things you can do to keep your car driving smoothly is to get your wheels aligned regularly. But what exactly is wheel alignment, and why is it so important?
Importance Of Wheel Alignment
Proper wheel alignment is key to ensuring that your tires, suspension components, and steering linkages last as long as possible, your car handles well on the road, and you stay safe while driving.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at wheel alignment’s importance, its benefits, and how to know when it’s time to get your wheels checked.
Let’s take a closer look.
Why Is It Important To Get A Wheel Alignment?
Getting a wheel alignment has a lot of benefits for both your car and your wallet. Here are a few of the key benefits of alignment:
Tire Wear
First and foremost, getting a wheel alignment can help extend the life of your tires. When your wheels are correctly aligned, it helps ensure that your tires wear evenly, which can help them last longer. This means you won’t have to replace your tires as often, which can save you money in the long run.
Handling & Performance
Another benefit of alignment is that it can improve your car’s handling and performance. When your wheels are out of alignment, it can cause your car or truck to pull to one side or the other, which can make it difficult to drive straight or make turns smoothly. By getting your wheels aligned, you can help make sure that your car handles as it should, which can make your driving experience much more enjoyable.
Fuel Efficiency
Alignment can also help improve your gas mileage. When your wheels are out of alignment, it can cause your car to work harder to maintain its speed, which can cause poor fuel efficiency. By getting your wheels aligned, you can help ensure that your vehicle is driving as efficiently as possible, which can save you money at the gas pump over time.
Safety
Finally, getting a wheel alignment can help reduce the risk of accidents or other issues on the road. When your car’s handling is compromised due to improper alignment, it can increase the likelihood of accidents or other issues that can put you and other drivers at risk. By aligning your wheels, you can help ensure that your car is operating as it should, which can help keep you and others safe on the road.
How Often Should Wheel Alignment Be Done?
How often you should get a wheel alignment depends on a few different factors. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Poor Wheel Alignment Symptoms
First of all, if you notice any signs of your wheels being out of alignment, such as your car pulling to one side or the other, uneven tire wear, or a vibrating steering wheel, you should have your wheels aligned right away. These issues can cause further damage to your car and compromise your safety on the road.
Regular Wheel Alignments
We recommend getting a wheel alignment done yearly or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this can vary depending on your driving habits and the conditions you drive in. For example, if you frequently drive on rough or off-road terrain, you may need to align your wheels more often.
New Tires
It’s a good idea to have your wheels aligned any time you replace your tires. This can help make sure your new tires wear evenly and last as long as possible. And if you’ve been in an accident or hit a curb or pothole, you should have your wheels checked for alignment issues right away.
Even if everything seems fine, it’s a good idea to have your wheels checked for alignment issues regularly and to have them aligned as needed to make sure that your car is driving smoothly and efficiently. Doing so can help extend your tires’ life, improve your car’s handling and performance, and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
How Do I Know If My Wheels Need Alignment?
There are a few signs to look out for that can indicate your wheels are out of alignment.
Here are some things to keep an eye on:
Pulling To One Side
One of the most common signs of wheel misalignment is when your car pulls to one side or the other while driving. This can be subtle or quite noticeable, depending on how severe the misalignment is. If you have to constantly adjust your steering to keep your car going straight, your wheels likely need to be realigned.
Uneven Tread Wear
Another sign to look out for is uneven tire wear. If you notice that one or more of your tires are wearing down faster than the others, it could be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment. This is because misaligned wheels can cause uneven pressure on your tires, which can cause them to wear down more quickly.
Steering Wheel Vibration
A vibrating steering wheel is another common sign of wheel misalignment. If you feel your steering wheel shaking or vibrating while driving, it could be a sign that your wheels are out of balance or out of alignment.
Accidents, Hard Pothole Hits, Or Curb Strikes
Finally, if you’ve recently been in an accident or hit a curb or pothole, having your wheels checked for alignment issues is a good idea. Even minor impacts can cause your wheels to become misaligned, which can compromise your car’s handling and performance.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your wheels checked by a professional. They can help determine if your wheels are out of alignment and perform the necessary adjustments to get them back on track. By doing so, you can help ensure that your car is driving smoothly and efficiently and that your tires last as long as possible.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
- How often should I get my alignment checked? – Les Schwab
- What you need to know about tire alignment – Firestone
Final Thoughts
Wheel alignment is a crucial aspect of car maintenance that shouldn’t be overlooked. By ensuring that your wheels are correctly aligned, you can help extend the life of your tires, improve your car’s handling and performance, and stay safe on the road.
If you’re not sure when your wheels were last aligned or if you’ve noticed any signs of misalignment, such as uneven tire wear or a vibrating steering wheel, it’s a good idea to have your wheels checked by a professional. They can help diagnose any alignment issues and perform the necessary adjustments to get your wheels back on track.
So, if you want to keep your car driving smoothly and efficiently, make sure to prioritize wheel alignment as part of your regular car maintenance routine. Your tires – and your wallet – will thank you!
Good luck and happy motoring.
