Have you ever wondered, “Why do I need a wheel alignment?”
One of the biggest risks of continuing to drive with a misaligned car is that you’ll blow through tires much faster. Not only are tires expensive to replace, but worn-out tires can also make driving dangerous.
Are you asking yourself, “Do I need a wheel alignment now?” Keep reading to learn 5 signs it’s time to book an appointment with your mechanic to fix your alignment.
1. Your Steering Wheel Isn’t Centered
When it comes to getting a wheel alignment, how often should you do it? One telltale sign that it’s time for an alignment is that your steering wheel is never centered when you’re driving.
People tend to center the wheel themselves without thinking about it, so you might not realize something is wrong. Next time you’re driving, don’t turn your wheel at all and see if it sits centered.
2. Your Car Pulls to the Left or Right While Driving
Are you tired of asking, “How do I know if I need a wheel alignment?” Another unmistakable clue is that your car veers to the left or right whenever you drive.
This is related to your wheel not being centered. You can test out your alignment by driving in a secluded area with your hands off the wheel. If your car can’t drive in a straight line, then you need to go to a mechanic.
3. Your Tires Wear Unevenly
It’s always helpful to get a four-wheel alignment if you feel like you’re spending too much money on new tires.
Misalignments put extra pressure on your tires, which shortens their lifespan. Depending on where your misalignment is, either your front tires or back tires could be more worn than the other pair.
4. Your Steering Wheel Vibrates When You Drive
Having a shaking steering wheel is an unsettling experience. Not many people are aware that this could be your car’s way of communicating that the alignment is off.
If you know that your tires are fine, then this vibration could be caused by the alignment pushing the wheels in different directions.
5. Your Tires Are Squealing
Tires can squeak for many reasons, so you shouldn’t panic right away if you hear any strange sounds. If this keeps happening and you can’t figure out why, then the alignment could be to blame.
The good news is that your car can feel new again when a mechanic uses a wheel alignment machine.
Do I Need a Wheel Alignment? Now You Know the Facts
Lots of people ask themselves, “Do I need a wheel alignment?” By reading this guide on the signs you need a wheel alignment and balancing, you can be an informed driver.
Taking care of your car may seem like an annoying chore, but it’s the best thing you can do to protect your investment and stay safe on the roads. If you’d like to know other ways you can be a better driver, our site publishes lots of helpful automotive articles. Click around the blog so you can find more useful advice.