The Simple Guide to a Wheel Alignment
What do you need to know about wheel alignments ?
A wheel alignment is necessary for proper car maintenance. This service improves vehicle handling, extends tire life, and even improves gas mileage. As a general rule, you will want to get a wheel alignment once a year, but this might vary depending on your vehicle and usage. What is a wheel alignment?
A wheel alignment is an adjustment of your cars suspension system. This service corrects the angles of the tires which impacts how they contact the road. This service is done differently for each car with specific weather and driving condition preferences.
When do you need a wheel alignment?
You should take your car to a licensed service technician if you notice any of the following:
•The steering wheel is vibrating
•The steering wheel is off-center when you’re driving straight
•Your vehicle starts pulling to the right or left
•There is uneven tread wear on the tires
Your wheels alignment can be off set in many ways, including instances where you hit a pothole or the curb. Paying attention to how your car is driving will help you notice when you need a wheel alignment.
Is a wheel alignment necessary?
Driving with irregular wheel alignment can be dangerous because it takes away from proper car balance. It can also impact your suspension and affect steering capabilities. This issue increases the likelihood of losing control and getting into an accident.
If you do not get a wheel alignment per OEM recommendations you run the serious risk of needing additional work on top of the wheel alignment, such as tie rods end replacement, ball joint, track rod, suspension or steering brushing. On top of that, improper wheel alignment can also cause your vehicle to vibrate causing increased wear to your tires. Getting this service will greatly improve your gas mileage because your tires will last longer. These services combined can be upwards of thousands of dollars, so a wheel alignment might not look so bad after all!
How much does it cost to get an alignment?
The average cost of a wheel alignment could be anywhere between $75 – $200 depending on where you receive the service, and your type of vehicle. Domestic vehicles tend to be less expensive than foreign or luxury vehicles.
Is it safe to drive with bad alignment?
Most car manufacturers recommend getting a wheel alignment service after every 6,000 miles or every 6 months—whichever comes first. It is not safe to drive with wheel alignment issues, it not only compromises your safety but also the safety of other drivers on the road. Even though your car may drive semi-normally, it will still swerve to one side when you’re trying to drive straight causing extra strain on you to keep your car inside the lines.
