When you first think of issues to address in your vehicle, you may not think about an alignment of its wheels. This tends to be something that we learn to live with, rather than recognizing it as an issue which can be resolved. Did you know that misaligned wheels are actually very dangerous? They can have you deviating from the road in seconds, putting you and your passengers at risk.
Fortunately, wheel misalignments do not happen overnight. You will generally experience symptoms of this problem before it becomes a serious issue. We have some signs below for you to keep in mind, and some tips to help you resolve some of these problems on your own.
- Pulling to One Side
When your alignment is off, it will cause your vehicle to pull to one side or the other. If it is serious enough, you may notice that you are exerting extra effort to keep the car straight when driving. - Shaky Steering Wheel
Alignment issues can cause your steering wheel to shake or vibrate, especially when reaching a certain speed, and during braking. You may even experience this issue when the wheel is in the straight position. - Uneven Tire Wear
You may notice that your tires do not look the same on both sides of your vehicle. If one side is balding, or has threads exposed, this could be a clear indication that your wheels are severely misaligned. This can create a dangerous situation wherein there is an increased chance of a tire blowing out, possibly at high speed. - Crooked Steering Wheel
Park your car with the wheels facing straight forward. Is your logo centered, upright, and level? If the steering wheel is slightly turned to one side and not straight, this is a sign that your alignment is awry.
So, what can you do on your own to help maintain your alignment? Always maintain proper tire pressure. This seems relatively straightforward, but is something a lot of car owners overlook. Remove extra, particularly heavy, items from your trunk. If you have a lot of stuff weighing down the back end of your vehicle, it lowers your vehicle height, inevitably throwing off your alignment. We also recommend being a conservative driver. Placing less strain on your vehicle overall will absolutely pay off in a positive way.
Have you noticed any of these issues? Use our online form to schedule an alignment at your local AAMCO. check today! If you are unsure if you need an alignment or not, please give us a call. Sometimes misalignment can be so subtle that it is difficult to tell there is a problem. We look forward to seeing you!