The signs of a lost wheel alignment and tires out of balance are so similar that it is difficult for most drivers to know the difference. Although these problems can develop as the miles add up, they are most commonly caused by specific incidents, such as going too fast over speed bumps, hitting potholes or curbs too hard, driving on gravel roads, or even a small accident. Because these issues are more damaging than most drivers know, have your car’s wheel alignment and tire balance checked as often as possible (perhaps at every oil change).
Whether it’s a wheel out-of-alignment or a tire out-of-balance, both have a negative effect on the driving safety of your vehicle. Here are some problems you should not ignore while driving down the road:
- You feel the steering wheel and seat vibrating more than usual.
- The tire tread is wearing faster than usual and in an uneven pattern.
- You are filling up the tank more often than usual—fewer miles per gallon.
- Your car pulls to one side or the other of the road while trying to drive straight.
- The steering wheel feels loose and it is off-center while driving straight.
But how often wheel balancing should be done, you ask? As a rule of thumb, have your wheel alignment and tire balance checked about every 6,000 miles (or at every oil change) to make sure your vehicle is as safe as possible.
A word of advice: The cost for tire balancing or wheel alignment is much less than having to pay for a new set of tires or replacing your car shocks!
Need to know more about how often wheel balancing should be done? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto Center for more information about wheel alignment and tire balance issues and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
The signs of a lost wheel alignment and tires out of balance are so similar that it is difficult for most drivers to know the difference. Although these problems can develop as the miles add up, they are most commonly caused by specific incidents, such as going too fast over speed bumps, hitting potholes or curbs too hard, driving on gravel roads, or even a small accident. Because these issues are more damaging than most drivers know, have your car’s wheel alignment and tire balance checked as often as possible (perhaps at every oil change).
Whether it’s a wheel out-of-alignment or a tire out-of-balance, both have a negative effect on the driving safety of your vehicle. Here are some problems you should not ignore while driving down the road:
- You feel the steering wheel and seat vibrating more than usual.
- The tire tread is wearing faster than usual and in an uneven pattern.
- You are filling up the tank more often than usual—fewer miles per gallon.
- Your car pulls to one side or the other of the road while trying to drive straight.
- The steering wheel feels loose and it is off-center while driving straight.
But how often wheel balancing should be done, you ask? As a rule of thumb, have your wheel alignment and tire balance checked about every 6,000 miles (or at every oil change) to make sure your vehicle is as safe as possible.
A word of advice: The cost for tire balancing or wheel alignment is much less than having to pay for a new set of tires or replacing your car shocks!
Need to know more about how often wheel balancing should be done? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto Center for more information about wheel alignment and tire balance issues and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
