You’re driving down a straight road, but your steering wheel is slightly off-center. Or maybe you’ve noticed your car pulling to one side for no apparent reason. These are common signs that your vehicle might be asking for some attention to its steering and suspension system. At its heart, this is exactly what is an alignment on a car. It’s a crucial maintenance procedure that adjusts the angles of your tires to ensure they make proper contact with the road.
What is an alignment on a car and why does it matter?
A wheel alignment isn’t about adjusting the tires themselves, but the vehicle’s suspension—the system that connects the car to its wheels. Technicians precisely adjust three main angles: camber, toe, and caster. When these angles are out of the manufacturer’s specifications, your tires aren’t sitting as they were designed to, which can lead to a handful of frustrating and costly issues.
Signs your car needs an alignment
Your car usually gives you clear signals when it’s time for this service. The most obvious is when the vehicle pulls consistently to the left or right, even on a flat road. Another telltale sign is uneven or rapid tire wear. You might see the tread on the inside or outside edge wearing down much faster than the rest of the tire. A vibrating steering wheel or one that is off-center when driving straight are also strong indicators that a check-up is needed.
The benefits of a proper wheel alignment
Getting your wheels aligned does more than just straighten your steering wheel. It has significant, tangible benefits. First, it extends the life of your tires by ensuring they wear evenly, saving you money on premature replacements. Second, it improves your vehicle’s fuel efficiency because correctly aligned tires roll with less resistance. Most importantly, it enhances your safety by providing better vehicle handling and more predictable steering, especially in emergency situations.
When should you get your alignment checked?
It’s a good practice to have your alignment checked once a year or with every oil change. However, you should get it checked immediately after hitting a substantial pothole or curb, or after any kind of impact with a road hazard. If you’ve recently had suspension work done, an alignment is also a necessary final step to ensure everything is set correctly.
Keeping your car’s alignment in check is a simple yet powerful way to protect your investment. It ensures a smoother, safer, and more efficient drive, while also preventing unnecessary wear on your tires. Paying attention to how your car feels and handles can help you catch alignment issues early, keeping you safely on track.
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