Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels so they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. In other words, it ensures proper contact with the road and makes the car much more stable. It also helps prevent premature and uneven tire wear and extends the lifespan of your tires and suspension components. That's why we have made a list of five symptoms related to unaligned wheels.
1. Car Pulls To One Side
One of the most common and noticeable signs of wheel misalignment is when your car pulls to one side while driving on a straight and level road. This means that your wheels are not pointing in the same direction and are creating uneven drag and friction. Bad wheel alignment can affect your ability to steer and increase your fuel consumption quite a lot. If you notice this problem, you should not ignore it and get your wheels aligned at a shop by a professional.
2. The Steering Wheel Is Off-Center
Another sign of wheel misalignment is when your steering wheel is crooked. This means that your steering system is not aligned with your wheels, and you have to hold it at an angle to keep your car going straight. While it may sound like nothing too serious, it can lead to accidents and difficulties with controlling the vehicle. If you see this problem, you should check your wheels for alignment and correct it if needed.
3. Tires Wear Unevenly
Wheel misalignment can also cause uneven and abnormal tire wear patterns, often leading to tire changes. This is because your tires are not making proper contact with the road surface and are wearing more on one side than the other. For example, if your wheels are pointing inward, your tires will wear more on the outer edges. If your wheels are pointing outward, your tires will wear more on the inner edges. If your wheels are cambered (tilted inward or outward), your tires will wear more on one side than the other.
4. Car Vibrates Or Shakes
Wheel misalignment can also cause your car to vibrate or shake while driving, most noticeable at high speeds. This is because your wheels are not balanced and are wobbling or bouncing on the road. Loud noises can also be heard if this is the case. If you feel this problem, you should get your wheels balanced and aligned as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
For your vehicle maintenance and repair needs, we invite you to our shop! If you are located in Martinez, CA, or the surrounding area, make sure to visit Hagin's Automotive!