What Wheel Alignment Service Teaches Car Owners

Correct wheel alignment is essential to the function and longevity of any vehicle. However, many car owners underestimate how easy it is for wheels to become out of line with each other. A previous infographic highlighted some benefits to wheel alignment. Below our Fred’s Auto Repair team has described a few questions that are commonly answered during a wheel alignment service.

Lessons Learned During a Wheel Alignment Service

What is wheel alignment?

You may be surprised to find that wheel alignment has more to do with your suspension system than your wheels. The suspension system keeps your wheels on the road, absorbs shock, and maintains the vertical load on the wheels, keeping your car driving safely and smoothly. Over time, these parts may curve or shift due to everyday wear and tear. When this occurs, your wheels will not be able to drive vertically and this can have a negative impact on your alignment system.

What causes poor wheel alignment?

There are many factors that can shift your wheels out of alignment. The most common being a sudden jolt to your car or a large impact causing your suspension to shift. We often run into the unavoidable, whether it’s potholes, curbs, or a small accident. All of these events can be the reason why you will need wheel alignment service.

Another cause is simply deterioration brought on by driving. Your suspension’s struts, shock absorbers, springs, and wheels begin to age and become worn. Gaps may develop causing your car to feel bumpy on smooth roads, resulting in difficulty when steering and the feeling of your car sitting lower on one side. All of these effects are avoidable with regular wheel alignment maintenance services.

The last cause of bad alignment is adjusting your car’s height without any modification to your suspension. Your suspension system is designed to work for your car and its original height. Adjusting this highly increases your chance of bad alignment.

How can you check your wheel alignment?

Car owners should look at the wear and tear of each tire when having them rotated. If you notice one tire has a considerable amount of wear and tear, your car is most likely out of alignment. Additionally, if your car drifts to one side while attempting to drive in a straight line or you notice declining fuel economy, consider repair service.

Contact our ASE certified reputable team at Fred’s Auto Repair to schedule your wheel alignment service today!