Have you ever been driving down a straight road and briefly let go of the steering wheel? You probably should not be doing that, but if so, did your car start to drift to one side? This is one symptom of improper wheel alignment, which can be caused by gradual wear over time or as a result of driving over a massive pothole. Left unchecked, your car could be subjected to rapid tire wear, reduced fuel economy and difficult handling.
To know when to get your wheel alignment checked and what to expect from your local auto repair shop, read on:
- Other signs that your tires need realigning are uneven wear on tires, vibrations while you drive and a crooked steering wheel when your car is going straight.
- Even if you don’t notice any of these indicators, you should get your wheel alignment checked at least annually as well as after any collisions.
- It’s a good idea to request an alignment every time you purchase a set of new tires. That way they are kept in good condition for as long as possible.
- No matter what kind of car you own, make sure to ask for a four-wheel alignment.
- A wheel alignment should take about an hour and a half and involve aligning the caster angle, the camber angle and the toe-in angle.
Safety is our biggest concern and keeping your vehicle driving straight is an important part of that. So don’t ignore your wheels!