Having properly aligned wheels makes your car perform better because a well-aligned wheel helps your tires balance properly on the road, preventing uneven wear of the tires and helping it perform at its maximum capacity. Wheels alignment can go bad with time due to several road obstacles, which can cause bad driving experiences. Misalignment of the vehicle can be caused by:
- Driving across speed bumps, potholes, and curbs can make the wheels of your vehicle misalign.
- Minor accidents involving vehicle collisions can negatively impact the wheel’s
- Poor or worn suspension parts, such as shocks and struts, can cause an imbalance in the alignment of the wheels.
- Modification of the vehicle, such as lifting, can also cause vehicle misalignment.
Symptoms of a Bad Alignment
The condition of a vehicle’s alignment cannot be determined until a technician completes an actual inspection, but some signs hint at a bad alignment. If any of the following is noticed, taking your vehicle in for an inspection is advised.
- Your vehicle pulls to one side: A well-aligned vehicle is expected to move straight, provided the steering well isn’t turned. Slight pulling to the left or right occasionally occurs, but a frequent or continuous pull of the vehicle towards the left or right side is a sign of bad alignment. If you must steer to keep the vehicle straight constantly, the vehicle’s wheels are most likely misaligned.
- Uneven tire wear: The tires’ wear pattern indicates how well aligned the vehicle is. The tires of a properly aligned vehicle wear evening on the inside and outside. Uneven or abnormal tires wear can be caused by several things, wheel misalignment being one.
- Crooked steering wheel: Having properly aligned wheel results in a well-centered steering wheel. A crooked steering wheel is an indication of misalignment of the vehicle. The steering wheel’s position can be checked by looking at the emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is well centered if it remains level when driving straight. Vibrating of the steering wheel when in motion can also be a result of misaligned wheels or unbalanced tires.
- Noise while driving: A bad enough alignment will cause squealing noise when driving. This results from the tires dragging across the pavement instead of rolling.
Benefits of a good alignment
- Increases fuel efficiency.
- It prolongs the shelf life of the tires.
- It improves the safety of the vehicle and reduces excessive auto repairs.
- Gives a better and smoother driving experience.
Conclusion
Knowing the state of your vehicle’s alignment is important; keeping an eye out for signs of misalignment and occasional checks by your technician would help prevent having a bad alignment. You can contact us for inspection and tyre installations Fariffield.