If you’re wondering, “do I need a wheel alignment,” the answer is likely yes. Alignments help to keep your wheels pointed in the right direction, and when misaligned, you may experience a few uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms. From reduced fuel economy, premature tire wear, and difficulty steering, wheel alignments are an important part of vehicle maintenance.
WHAT IS A WHEEL ALIGNMENT?
Despite the name, a wheel alignment (also known as tire alignment) isn’t an adjustment of the wheel and tire themselves. In fact, they're performed by adjusting your car’s steering and suspension, which connects your vehicle to its wheels. Proper alignment is achieved by adjusting the angles of your tires, which impacts how they make contact with the road. Every vehicle’s optimal alignment angles are dependent upon the make, model, and manufacturer's recommendations.
DO I NEED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT?
Wheel alignment is necessary for the best possible driving experience. When your car rolled off the manufacturer assembly line, it came preset with specific tire angles and positioning. And for good reason too! In order for your vehicle to travel the way it’s supposed to, your wheels need to be precisely aligned to OEM specifications. Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and shorter tire life. In short, tires can be expensive. But fortunately, keeping them properly aligned could make them last longer.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT?
Typically, how often you need a wheel alignment depends upon your typical road conditions and how you drive your vehicle. But it's important to note that bad roads can often be the cause of alignment issues. If you frequently ride over potholes, drive down poorly maintained roads, or even hit a curb, your alignment can be affected.
The general recommendation is to have your alignment checked at the first signs of misalignment or around every 6,000 miles. Your tires and your wallet will thank you.
HOW WILL A WHEEL ALIGNMENT HELP MY VEHICLE?
A tire alignment ensures optimal drivability. From helping your tires last longer and keeping your vehicle drive smoother to ensuring your wheels are pointed in the right direction, regular wheel alignments provide many great benefits. Alignment issues can also cause your car to guzzle gas more quickly, so an alignment can potentially lead to a more efficient ride as well.
WHAT DOES TIRE WEAR MEAN TO MY CAR’S ALIGNMENT?
Poor alignment is a common cause of uneven tire wear. Ideally, you should see even wear across your tires’ treads if you are keeping up with rotations. If you’re noticing excessive wear, you may need an alignment adjustment or have too much junk in your trunk.
Poor alignment can shorten your tires’ lifespan by thousands of miles and compromise crucial steering and suspension components — resulting in a big hit to your wallet. Enjoy better fuel economy and longer-lasting tires by having your alignment checked, at the very least, with every other oil change or at the first sign of uneven or premature tire wear.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT?
There are some noticeable signs that could indicate a misalignment. Just use your eyes, ears, and hands. Your senses (and even the good old personal hunch) are great for spotting alignment issues. Here are some common signs that you are dealing with poor alignment:
Your vehicle pulls to one side
Uneven or rapid tire wear
Your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight
Squealing tires
Are you noticing symptoms of alignment issues? Schedule an alignment check at Firestone Complete Auto Care to get your ride pointing in the right direction.
WHAT ARE SOME MISALIGNMENT ISSUES I CAN REMEDY MYSELF?
While it’s best to leave wheel alignments to the professionals, there are steps you can take to help prevent misalignment. Here are some tips:
Remove heavy, bulky items from your trunk. If you have too much weight loading down your back end, it can throw off your alignment. Remove what you don’t need, and then make sure to have your alignment checked since your alignment can’t self-adjust.
Maintain correct air pressure in your tires.
Embrace conservative driving. It will place less strain on steering and suspension components which are key to maintaining proper alignment.