When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, you often think of changing your oil, checking your brakes, or replacing your tires. However, one aspect that is often underestimated is wheel alignment. Below, we will explore why wheel alignment is essential not only for driving comfort, but also for the safety and overall performance of your car, as well as identifying some symptoms of improper alignment.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels so that they align with the manufacturer’s specifications. This process includes checking and adjusting three key components: camber, toe, and caster. Proper alignment ensures that the wheels are at the correct angle, offering optimal contact with the road.

Benefits of a Proper Wheel Alignment

1. Improved Safety

Proper wheel alignment is critical to vehicle safety. If wheels are not properly aligned, the vehicle can drift to one side, which can lead to a loss of control. Additionally, a misaligned steering system can make it difficult for the driver to react effectively to dangerous situations on the road.

2. Better fuel efficiency

When wheels are properly aligned, the vehicle moves more efficiently. This translates into less rolling resistance, which can result in better fuel efficiency. Improper alignment can cause the engine to work harder, thereby reducing efficiency and increasing fuel costs.

3. Tire durability

Improper alignment can lead to uneven tire wear, which reduces tire life. Tires that wear unevenly can lead to the need for more frequent replacements, which increases maintenance costs over time.

4. More comfortable driving

A properly aligned vehicle is not only safer, but also offers a smoother driving experience. An improper alignment can lead to steering wheel vibrations and unstable steering, which can make every drive less enjoyable.

5. Reduced repair costs

If a proper alignment is not performed, suspension and steering problems can become worse, which could result in costly repairs down the road. A regular alignment can help prevent more serious problems, saving you money in the long run.

Symptoms of an improper alignment

It is crucial to be able to identify the symptoms of an improper alignment in order to address it as soon as possible. Some of the most common signs include:

• Steering wheel drift: If your steering wheel drifts to one side without any input from you, you likely need an alignment.
• Uneven tire wear: Check your tires for uneven wear, such as lumps or areas that are more worn than others.
• Steering wheel vibrations: If you feel unusual vibrations in your steering wheel, it may be an indication of a bad alignment.
• Difficulty Keeping Steering Straight: If you constantly need to correct your steering to keep your car going straight, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right.

Wheel alignment is a critical aspect of your vehicle’s maintenance that goes beyond comfort. It directly affects safety, performance, fuel economy, and tire wear. At New Again Auto Repair, we have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment and ASE-certified technicians to ensure your vehicle receives the best service possible. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen; schedule your alignment with us and keep your vehicle in top condition.