Wheel alignment or tire alignment is modifying the angle at which wheels make contact with the road surface. When you're a reckless driver or get into minor accidents, your wheel's alignment can be offset and wear down your suspension components. To ensure your vehicle is safe, make sure your wheels are correctly aligned.
What Are the Signs of Misaligned Wheels?
Identifying the symptoms of bad wheel alignment is a good skill for all drivers to have. If you want to keep your vehicle stable and safe, keep your eye on the lookout for the following red flags:
Uneven Tire Wear
Healthy tires should wear the same on all areas of the tire. If you notice uneven patches, it can be a sign that your alignment is inaccurate. When your wheels are misaligned, the tires don't grip the road properly.
Crooked Steering
The steering wheel should sit straight when you're operating your car on a straight and leveled road. You can check by looking at the logo - is it straight? If your steering wheel isn't sitting straight or the vehicle is veering left or right, it is a clear indicator that you need a wheel alignment.
Shaky and/or Loose Steering Wheel
Your steering wheel might also have vibrations or feel loose when your car is suffering from bad wheel alignment.
Loud Tires
If you notice your tires releasing a squealing sound whenever you take a turn or accelerate, you should have your alignment checked. The sound is a result of patchy tire wear.
Poor wheel alignment causes a loss of control and handling of a vehicle. As mentioned above, you can end up veering off-road or hitting another vehicle. Furthermore, it adds stress to other components in the steering and suspension systems. Therefore, please do not put off having a wheel alignment service.
If you are due for a wheel alignment, please call or visit Westside Car Care soon.