Regular maintenance and servicing of your car are essential to its longevity. One important service that should not be overlooked is the wheel alignment. Staying on top of the alignment will help you avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your car’s tires, as well as keep you safe while driving. Let’s take a look at how to know if you need a wheel alignment and why it is so important for your vehicle.
What is a Wheel Alignment?
A wheel alignment is a service that involves adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels so they are all parallel with each other. This process consists of three angles—toe, camber, and caster—which are all adjusted to their correct positions. Toe refers to how much the front of the tires are turned in or out relative to each other, while camber has to do with how far away from vertical the tires point when viewed from the front of the car. Finally, caster is determined by how far back or forward the steering axis is inclined when viewed from the side.
When Should I Get My Wheels Aligned?
The answer depends on several factors, including the type of car you drive and how often you use it. Generally, most manufacturers recommend getting an alignment check every one to two years. For vehicles that are used more frequently or in harsher conditions (such as off-road vehicles), more frequent alignments may be necessary. Additionally, if you recently had new tires installed, an alignment should be done soon after to ensure optimal performance from your new tires.
Signs You Need an Alignment Check
There are several signs that may indicate your car is in need of a wheel alignment. If you notice any of these symptoms while driving, it is time to schedule an appointment with your mechanic:
- Uneven tire wear – If one tire appears to be wearing out more quickly than the others, this could indicate that the wheels are misaligned and causing excessive wear on one particular tire.
- Vibration in your steering wheel – If your steering wheel vibrates when driving straight or at high speeds, this could mean the wheels are out of balance and need to be realigned by a professional mechanic.
- Your car pulls to one side – A misalignment can cause your vehicle to drift toward one side instead of tracking straight down the road. This can also lead to premature tire wear and unsafe driving conditions.
Why Are Wheel Alignments Important?
Having regular alignments will extend the life of your tires significantly because they will not be subjected to excessive wear due to misalignment issues. In addition, having properly aligned wheels will improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag caused by skewed wheels that don’t track straight down the road. Finally, having regularly aligned wheels will help ensure safe driving conditions since you will not have to worry about unintentionally veering off course due to unevenly weighted wheels pulling against each other while driving down the highway.
Revolution Motor Works can Perform a Wheel Alignment for Your Vehicle
Keeping up with regular alignments can help maintain both safety on the road as well as fuel efficiency while improving the overall performance of your vehicle over time. If you suspect that something may be off with your car’s steering or handling abilities, don’t hesitate to get an alignment check-up right away before further damage occurs! Ultimately, knowing when you need a wheel alignment can help save money on future repairs while keeping yourself safe on the road – both important factors worth considering! Revolution Motor Works specializes in tire services, including tire replacements and wheel alignments. To schedule your service, contact us today at (410) 833-2025!
