Is it Time for a Wheel Alignment?

Proper wheel alignment is paramount to the performance of your commercial vehicles or fleet of vehicles. However, wheel alignment has little to nothing to do with your tires or wheels. Despite the name, a wheel alignment or tire alignment is an adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension and steering. When the steering and suspension are aligned, your drivers will enjoy better performance, increased safety, improved fuel efficiency, as well as reduced repair costs. With so much riding on the tires, suspension, and steering, it’s imperative to get the alignment right. Let’s take a closer look at the wheel alignment service and how you will know the suspension should be aligned.

How Do I Know I Need a Wheel Alignment?

If your suspension is out of alignment, your vehicle may offer you distinct indicators or warning signs. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you most likely need to have your wheels aligned.

Does Your Vehicle Pull to One Side or the Other?

If your vehicle is pulling sharply to one side or the other, the first place to check is your tires. Underinflated tires can cause this to occur. However, if your tire pressure is in line and the vehicle still pulls, you may need to have your suspension and steering aligned.

Got Uneven Tire Wear?

When you have your tires properly rotated, they should wear evenly. If you experience uneven tire wear, it could be the alignment. Simply take a quick glance at your front tires to see if they have the same wear pattern. Then do the same for the rear tires. If you notice uneven wear, your vehicle’s alignment could be off.

Does Your Steering Wheel Vibrate?

As you’re driving down the road, pay close attention to the amount of steering wheel vibration — if any. Although this could be attributed to unbalanced tires, a vibrating steering wheel could mean your wheels need to be aligned. The vibration can be caused by your tires pulling in opposing directions.

Is Your Steering Wheel Off Center?

A crooked steering wheel is usually a sign of suspension misalignment. In either case, your steering wheel was engineered to be dead center. As you’re driving down a straight road, simply check to see if the logo is centered. If it’s off-center, you should have your wheel alignment inspected and corrected.

How Often Should I Have a Wheel Alignment?

When it comes to wheel alignment, there are no hard and fast rules as to how often the service should be done. For the most part, the frequency at which you should have a wheel alignment will hinge on the driving conditions as well as the conditions of the road.

Bumpy Roads Can Lead to Wheel Misalignment

In other words, if you drive on a bad or bumpy road, it can lead to misalignment issues. At the same time, if you run over curbs or hit potholes, your vehicle’s alignment can be negatively impacted.

Have Your Alignment Inspected Every 6,000 Miles

However, most manufacturers suggest having your alignment checked every 6,000 miles or so. However, if you notice any of the previously mentioned signs, it makes dollars and sense to have your alignment inspected. Your wallet and tires will thank you.

Why Is a Wheel Alignment Important?

It makes dollars and sense to have the wheel alignment service. Here are a few of the key benefits of having your wheels properly aligned:

Smoother Ride — Fighting with a vehicle that pulls to the left or right can lead to a bumpy, jarring, and vibration-filled ride. A wheel alignment can rectify this situation and help you enjoy a smoother ride.
Improved Fuel Efficiency —According to Investopedia, driving around with misaligned wheels can slash your MPGs by as much as 10%. This is due to your tires dragging instead of rolling. However, a quick alignment can help you save fuel.
Extend the Life of Your Tires — Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven and premature tire wear. In contrast, having regular wheel alignments can extend the life of your tire and ensure you get maximum ROI.
Prevent More Expensive Repairs — Hitting a pothole with misaligned tires can cause additional damage to your suspension, tires, and steering system. Having regular wheel alignments is a small price to pay to protect your wallet and vehicle.

Contact Best-One Tire & Service for Wheel Alignments

A wheel alignment is an inexpensive and effective preventative maintenance service that protects the vehicle and your fleet budget. It’s imperative to have wheel alignment according to the manufacturer’s suggested intervals or as needed. And the team at Best-One Tire & Service can help.