Wheel alignment is often overlooked when it comes to vehicle maintenance, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring your car’s performance, safety, and longevity. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even increase your fuel consumption. Keep reading to learn more about why wheel alignment matters and how it benefits your vehicle.
Improves Tire Longevity
One of the most immediate effects of poor wheel alignment is uneven tire wear. When your wheels are misaligned, certain areas of your tires bear more pressure than others, leading to premature wear on the edges or center of the tires. This uneven wear shortens the lifespan of your tires, forcing you to replace them sooner than necessary.
By keeping your wheels properly aligned, the tires wear evenly, extending their life and helping you get the most out of your investment.
Enhances Vehicle Handling
Misaligned wheels can affect how your vehicle handles, making it difficult to steer straight or take turns smoothly. If you notice your car pulling to one side, wandering on the road, or the steering wheel vibrating, it’s a sign that your wheel alignment is off.
Proper wheel alignment improves your vehicle’s stability, responsiveness, and overall handling, giving you more control on the road. This not only makes driving more comfortable but also enhances safety, particularly in challenging driving conditions such as rain or snow.
Increases Fuel Efficiency
Did you know that wheel alignment can affect your fuel efficiency? When your wheels are misaligned, your vehicle has to work harder to move in a straight line because of the added resistance. This extra effort causes your engine to burn more fuel, resulting in lower miles per gallon.
A properly aligned vehicle reduces rolling resistance, allowing your car to move more efficiently and use less fuel. Over time, this can lead to noticeable savings at the gas pump.
Reduces Wear and Tear on Other Components
Misalignment doesn’t just affect your tires—it can also put extra strain on other components of your vehicle. The suspension and steering systems, in particular, can suffer from additional wear and tear when the wheels aren’t properly aligned.
By maintaining proper wheel alignment, you reduce the stress on these vital systems, helping prevent costly repairs down the line. It’s a simple yet effective way to protect your vehicle’s overall health and performance.
Ensures Safe Driving
Perhaps the most important reason to maintain proper wheel alignment is safety. Misaligned wheels can make it difficult to steer accurately and stop in an emergency, increasing the risk of an accident. Poor alignment can also cause your vehicle to drift unexpectedly, especially at higher speeds.
Regular wheel alignments help ensure your car remains safe to drive, with precise steering and braking capabilities. It’s a small investment in routine maintenance that can make a big difference in your safety on the road.
How Often Should You Check Your Wheel Alignment?
It’s recommended to have your wheel alignment checked at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. However, certain factors—like hitting potholes, curbs, or driving on rough terrain—can knock your wheels out of alignment more frequently. If you notice any signs of misalignment, such as pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or a vibrating steering wheel, it’s best to have your alignment checked as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Wheel Alignment at Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions
Maintaining proper wheel alignment is essential for your vehicle’s performance, safety, and longevity. At Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions, we offer expert wheel alignment services to ensure your car stays in top shape. Contact us today to schedule an alignment check and keep your vehicle running smoothly on the road.
