Your car’s alignment is a crucial aspect of its overall health and performance. When a car’s alignment is off, the wheels are not angled and positioned properly in relation to each other and the road surface. It impacts how your vehicle drives, handles and responds to your inputs. Poor alignment can lead to various issues that affect your car’s drivability, fuel efficiency, and tire wear. Misaligned wheels can also cause your vehicle to pull to one side, make it harder to steer, and even damage your suspension components. Take a look at some additional effects poor alignment can have on your car and what you can do to prevent further damage.
Uneven Tire Wear
One of the most common effects of poor alignment is uneven tire wear, which can be caused by misaligned wheels that cause your tires to wear out faster on one side than the other. This can lead to reduced traction and decreased fuel efficiency. Uneven tire wear can also increase your risk of a blowout or a flat tire, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. Therefore, it’s essential to check your alignment regularly and to address any alignment issues as soon as possible to prevent uneven tire wear.
Poor Handling and Steering
Poor alignment can also cause your car to handle and steer poorly, making it difficult to control your vehicle and leading to unsafe driving conditions. Misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side. This can be especially dangerous when driving on wet or slippery roads or during emergency movements, such as sudden lane changes or evasive maneuvers. To prevent poor handling and steering, it’s crucial to have your alignment checked regularly and address any alignment issues promptly.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Misalignment can also decrease your car’s fuel efficiency by forcing your engine to work harder to overcome the added resistance caused by misaligned wheels. Increased fuel consumption can lead to more frequent trips to the gas station, which means more money is spent on gas. To prevent reduced fuel efficiency, it’s essential to have your alignment checked regularly and to address any alignment issues promptly to ensure proper alignment.
Suspension Damage
Poor alignment can cause damage to your car’s suspension system, as it puts additional stress on your suspension components, such as your shocks and struts. Over time, this can cause the suspension components to wear out faster and lead to costly repairs. Additionally, a damaged suspension system can affect your car’s handling and steering. It’s crucial to have your alignment checked regularly and address any alignment issues as soon as possible to prevent suspension damage.
Safety Risks
Poor alignment poses safety risks, as it can affect your car’s ability to stop quickly and safely in emergencies. Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to skid or slide during sudden stops, reducing your car’s stopping distance and increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. To prevent safety risks, it’s essential to check your alignment regularly and address any alignment issues promptly to ensure your car can stop quickly and safely in emergency situations.
Keep Your Wheels Aligned With Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions
Don’t wait for the signs of misaligned wheels to occur before getting them aligned. Instead, take preventative measures and have Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions align your tires today! We help protect your vehicle by providing a variety of tire and suspension services in Maryland. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
