When Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?
Are you starting to notice a few steering problems when you get behind the wheel of your car and head out? For example, you may find the car drifting to one or the other side of the road, or the steering wheel isn’t straight when the wheels are pointed straight ahead. It’s probably time for a car alignment service.
So when should you get a wheel alignment? Simply stated, whenever you start to notice problems. At the very least, have the alignment checked at every other oil change or at the first sign of premature tread wear. It is possible to mess up the alignment without realizing it, such as hitting curbs, going too fast over speed bumps, hitting potholes too fast, or having an accident, no matter how minor.
There are some noticeable signs that indicate it may be time to schedule a car alignment service:
- Your vehicle keeps pulling to the left or right even when on a straight road
- Uneven or rapid tread wear
- The steering wheel is crooked when driving straight
- Squealing tires
There are three components of a car alignment:
- Camber (inward or outward tilt of the wheels when looking head-on),
- Caster (the tilt of the wheel front or back looking from the side) and,
- Toe-in or toe-out (the looking down at the wheels from above).
These adjustments are measured in fractions of an inch and require specialized alignment equipment.
Car alignment problems are more damaging than most drivers know. Not only does it affect the handling of your vehicle, but it adds excessive wear and tear to your tires, suspension, and steering systems. A misaligned car can shorten the life of your tires by thousands of miles and compromise crucial steering and suspension parts. The price of an alignment service is much more cost-effective than paying for a new set of tires
Want to know more about when should you get a wheel alignment? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about our car alignment services 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.
Are you starting to notice a few steering problems when you get behind the wheel of your car and head out? For example, you may find the car drifting to one or the other side of the road, or the steering wheel isn’t straight when the wheels are pointed straight ahead. It’s probably time for a car alignment service.
So when should you get a wheel alignment? Simply stated, whenever you start to notice problems. At the very least, have the alignment checked at every other oil change or at the first sign of premature tread wear. It is possible to mess up the alignment without realizing it, such as hitting curbs, going too fast over speed bumps, hitting potholes too fast, or having an accident, no matter how minor.
There are some noticeable signs that indicate it may be time to schedule a car alignment service:
- Your vehicle keeps pulling to the left or right even when on a straight road
- Uneven or rapid tread wear
- The steering wheel is crooked when driving straight
- Squealing tires
There are three components of a car alignment:
- Camber (inward or outward tilt of the wheels when looking head-on),
- Caster (the tilt of the wheel front or back looking from the side) and,
- Toe-in or toe-out (the looking down at the wheels from above).
These adjustments are measured in fractions of an inch and require specialized alignment equipment.
Car alignment problems are more damaging than most drivers know. Not only does it affect the handling of your vehicle, but it adds excessive wear and tear to your tires, suspension, and steering systems. A misaligned car can shorten the life of your tires by thousands of miles and compromise crucial steering and suspension parts. The price of an alignment service is much more cost-effective than paying for a new set of tires
Want to know more about when should you get a wheel alignment? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about our car alignment services 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.
