If you’re like most people in the US, you rely on your car daily. You drive it to and from work, use it to run errands, or take your kids to school. It’s one of the most necessary tools in your life.
However, cars can also bring significant safety risks when they fall out of order. If you notice that your vehicle is acting strangely, don’t hesitate to take it in for inspection. Sometimes, the solution to your problem is to get a wheel alignment.
If you’re not sure when to get a wheel alignment, don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll list three standard wheel alignment warnings so you’ll know when to get help. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Consider a Wheel Alignment
When your automobile first leaves the factory, its wheels are in perfect alignment. This alignment allows the wheels to follow the same path without variation, extending your tires’ life cycle. It also makes your vehicle easy to handle on the road and improves its fuel economy.
Depending on the conditions you drive in, one or more of your wheels may come out of alignment. One of the most severe signs of this is if your car drifts left or right on the road.
If you think you notice a drift, there’s a quick test to try. Hold your steering wheel perfectly center as you drive down a level road. If your car continues to drift, it most likely needs a wheel alignment.
Is Your Steering Wheel Crooked?
A crooked or off-center steering wheel is another clear wheel alignment warning. Typically, your steering wheel should sit perfectly centered and straight when you drive down a level road. It does so because your wheels are in alignment, keeping the car on a straight path.
If, however, your steering wheel stays off-center when driving straight, there’s a high likelihood one of your tires is out of alignment. If your steering wheel is off-center by several degrees, that indicates a more severe misalignment. In such cases, take your car to the shop as soon as possible.
How Does Your Tire Wear Look?
The wear patterns on your tire often indicate the state of your wheels. They can even tell you about their current alignment, with some signs showing what alignment problems you need to amend.
Let’s say you’re installing new audi wheel rims and notice that one of your tires has worn down its inner edges more than its outer edges. In a case like this, your car likely needs that wheel’s camber angle adjusted. Such a case is just one example of the way tread patterns indicate alignment.
Get Your Wheels Aligned Today
If you’ve been wondering, “Do I need a wheel alignment for my car,” examine it for these warnings. Is your steering wheel straight? Does your car drift, or have you seen strange patterns on your tire tread?
If so, don’t hesitate! Take your car to the shop as soon as possible.
We hope you enjoyed this article! If so, check out our other content today.