Just like air filter replacements, tire rotations, and transmission fluid top-offs, wheel alignment is an essential part of car maintenance. Below, you can learn more about this service and why it's important to stay up-to-date with it.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment involves the assessment and adjustment of the vehicle's suspension. This aspect of car maintenance is different for each car, as the maintenance technician's job is to return the vehicle's suspension and steering components back to the manufacturer's original specifications. After a vehicle receives this service, its wheels are once again in proper alignment with the body's centerline.
A maintenance technician can determine which kind of wheel alignment is best for your vehicle. Most larger SUVs and trucks require a thrust alignment. On the other hand, smaller passenger vehicles can typically benefit from a traditional four-wheel alignment.
What Causes Your Wheels To Get Out of Alignment?
Here are some common reasons your wheels may go out of alignment:
You Got New Tires
As a vehicle owner, you may install new tires at any point for various reasons. If you experience a flat tire while driving, you'll have to get a new permanent tire to replace the temporary donut tire. You may also choose to get new tires if you want a performance upgrade, greater aesthetic appeal, or added height for your vehicle. Whatever the reason may be for new tire installation, this process can create the need for wheel alignment services.
You Got Replacements for Suspension Parts
When you get replacements for suspension parts, it's important to have a wheel alignment done. Any replacement of a suspension part can alter the angle of your wheels and tires. It's also important to consider a wheel alignment if you have any of your current suspension components adjusted.
Your Vehicle Has Hit a Curb or Been In a Fender-Bender
Any time your vehicle receives a jolt due to hitting an object, whether it be a curb or another car, its wheels may become misaligned. This misalignment of the wheels usually occurs at higher speeds, but any kind of unexpected bump or jostle can create the need for wheel alignment services.
Your Vehicle Hasn't Had a Wheel Alignment in Over a Year
Wheel alignment is a service that your vehicle can benefit from at least once a year. If you can't remember the last time your wheels have been aligned, it's likely time for you to get this service done. Once you do, you can make an effort to return for the same service at least once every year.
How To Tell If Your Wheels Are Out of Alignment
The above reasons may indicate that your vehicle is overdue for a wheel alignment. However, you might not have had any of the above events happen. Or, you might have hit a curb and not thought anything of it after it happened. If you're unsure whether you need a wheel alignment, you can be on the lookout for these physical signs that your vehicle needs this service:
Your Vehicle Tends to Pull to the Left or Right
Think about how you drive your vehicle. Do you feel as if you're constantly trying to bring your vehicle back into the center of your lane? If your vehicle tends to pull to the left or right, it's likely that it needs a wheel alignment.
Your Steering Wheel Is Crooked
Picture yourself driving down a narrow country road in your vehicle's current condition. If you're driving on a straight path but the steering wheel is slightly crooked, you may need a wheel alignment. Even if the steering wheel's crookedness isn't extreme, it's better to get your vehicle checked out rather than allow the problem to get worse.
Your Steering Wheel Behaves Abnormally After You Complete a Turn
Picture yourself coming out of a tight turn with your vehicle. Think about what the steering wheel does. In a vehicle with ideal alignment, the steering wheel returns to its center position with some effort and guidance by your hands. In a vehicle with poor alignment, one of two extremes may occur. The steering wheel may abruptly return to its center with no effort, or you may have to use excessive force to get it centered once again. In any case, it's best to take your vehicle in for a wheel alignment service.
There's Excessive Wear on Your Tires
You can also do a physical inspection of your tires to determine if your vehicle may benefit from wheel alignment. Check each tire individually for excessive wear and tear. Be sure to look at the outside and inside of each tire. If one or more tires have noticeable damage, your vehicle may be due for a wheel alignment.
Note that tire damage is only a potential indicator of the need for a wheel alignment. Your tires may just be old, or you may be due for a tire rotation. Regardless of the cause, it's important to visit a qualified auto service center so a reputable technician can diagnose the problem.
Wheel Alignment Creates a More Comfortable Ride
When your wheels are properly aligned, you may experience a more comfortable ride. Misaligned wheels can cause tires to degrade, meaning that you may feel vibrations in the steering wheel. If you want to focus on your driving without worrying about every little bump and jolt you feel, consider getting your tires aligned.
Improve Fuel Efficiency With Wheel Alignment
Properly aligned wheels help a car operate with minimal effort. If your wheels are out of place, your car will have to work harder to get where you want it to go. You can save money at the gas pump in the long term and improve fuel efficiency when you seek a wheel alignment for your car.
Wheel Alignment Reduces Wear and Tear on Your Tires
Misaligned wheels place uneven pressure on each of your vehicle's tires. The heightened resistance between the driving surface and the tire causes your vehicle to work harder. As a result, you may notice uneven wear and tear on your tires. Not only does this create an uncomfortable driving experience, but it can also increase the chances of a blown-out tire when driving. Now that you know more about the importance of wheel alignment, you can schedule this service with our technicians at Longo Toyota. We invite you to contact our team with any questions you have so you can h
