Don’t Break the Bank on Brakes

Posted on: 13 June 2023

Proper alignment of your car's wheels is vital for safe driving and optimal vehicle performance. Alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle's suspension — the system that connects the car to its wheels — not the wheels or tires themselves. It ensures your tires are making proper contact with the road and your car is handling at its peak efficiency.

But how do you know when you need an auto alignment service? Here are some key signs that your vehicle may require re-alignment.

Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear

One of the most noticeable signs that your vehicle needs an alignment service is uneven or rapid wear on your tires.

• Tire Wear: If you observe that your tires are wearing down unevenly along the treads, or some tires are wearing faster than others, it's likely time for a wheel alignment.

Vehicle Pulling to One Side

If you're driving on a straight, flat road, your vehicle should continue virtually straight with a minimal amount of wheel correction.

• Pulling: If you notice that your car consistently pulls to one side or the other, it's a strong indication that your vehicle's alignment is off. Note that a slight drift isn't always a cause for concern, as roads have a slight incline to allow for water runoff. However, if your car veers off without steering input, it's time to check the alignment.

Steering Wheel Vibration

A vibrating steering wheel is another sign of alignment issues.

• Vibrations: When your wheels aren't aligned properly, they start pulling against each other. This can cause your steering wheel to vibrate, making handling the vehicle more challenging and driving less comfortable.

Off-Center Steering Wheel

When driving straight, your steering wheel should be almost perfectly centered.

• Off-Center: If you find that your steering wheel is off-center by more than a few degrees in either direction, this could indicate a problem with your wheel alignment.
• Return to Center: After making a turn, your steering wheel should naturally start returning to the center position. If your steering wheel doesn't return to center easily or the handling seems sluggish, your alignment could be the problem.

Squealing Tires

While there can be many causes of squealing tires, one potential culprit can be improper wheel alignment.

• Squealing: The squealing sound is usually due to the unusual friction between the tires and the road surface caused by misalignment.

When Should You Get Your Alignment Checked?

It's generally a good idea to have your vehicle's alignment checked annually.

• Annual: You should also have it inspected if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, or if you've recently had a significant impact such as hitting a pothole or curb. Regular alignment checks can also be beneficial when you get new tires to ensure they wear evenly and last as long as possible. 

For more info about auto alignment services, contact a local company.