When they think about car maintenance, most drivers think about oil changes, brake pads, and even tire pressure. But there’s one aspect of car maintenance that frequently goes overlooked: wheel alignment.
It may not be the sexiest car topic, but maintaining proper wheel alignment on your vehicle can add years of service, vastly increase your vehicle’s performance, and save you a tremendous amount of money in the long run.
Wheel alignment means adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels so they’re set to the optimum position set out by the manufacturer. These settings make sure that the tires are contacting the road at the correct angle, that the wheels are pointing in the proper direction, and that each wheel is in line with the others.
There are three primary alignment angles that techs concentrate on:
Even the most the slightest deviation with any of these angles can mean expensive and noticeable problems down the road.
Its properly aligned wheels will ensure that rolling resistance remains minimized—your engine will have to work less to push the vehicle down the road. Improperly aligned wheels can cause your car to drag or pull to one side, setting your car off balance and consuming more fuel. This can add up to major costs at the pump over time.
Tires are a huge cost when it comes to maintenance on your vehicle and bad alignment will make them wear out even quicker. Irregular tread wear — such as one side of the tire going bald more quickly than the other — can be a symptom of misalignment. With perfect alignment, tires wear evenly, so they last longer and they’re replaced less often.
If you find that your steering wheel shakes, your vehicle drifts when driving in a straight line, or you’re experiencing a bumpy ride on an even road, misalignment might be responsible. A well aligned vehicle provides a smoother, more comfortable ride that’s enjoying long road trips and less stressful daily commutes.
It’s a product of good wheel alignment that makes your vehicle handle the way the designer intended. That translates to improved steering response, more precise braking, less chance for accidents because of unpredictable handling. In an emergency, those split-second responses can be lifesavers.
Ignoring alignment will not only wear your tires out — it can overburden your suspension, mess up your steering, or even break your drivetrain down the road. To fix these problems can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. A basic wheel alignment — alignments start at $149 — is a smart investment to insure you won’t be paying for much bigger repairs.
How often should you have your wheels aligned? While every car is different, a good rule of thumb is to check your alignment:
Wheel alignment may not be at the top of your thrilling car care list, but it’s also one of the most important. It will protect your tires, improves your gas mileage, ensures your car handles properly, and save you money down the line.
America 1st Automotive can align your vehicles wheels today!
The next time you’re in for an oil change or tire rotation, request your mechanic to check your alignment. Your wallet — and your tires — will thank you.