Getting a wheel alignment about once a year is a really good practice to fall into. Wheel alignment is part of your standard vehicle maintenance and is normally done when you have your tires rotated.
Those two things are a little different. Having your tires rotated is as simple as bringing your vehicle in to All Around Auto Repair and having an experienced mechanic move your four tires from one location to another. Doing so ensures even wear of your tire’s tread.
The core reason that you would want your tires rotated is that there’s more weight on your front axle with your engine upfront than there is on the rear axle. Variety is the spice of life and changing the position of your tires can mean going much longer between replacements.
Wheel Alignment Has Similar Benefits
So, where does a wheel alignment fall into the mix? Wheel alignment can give you a smoother drive and breathe new life into your tires – like having your tires rotated – but it can also save you much more money down the road in terms of avoiding expensive repairs.
In fact, proper wheel alignment can improve your fuel economy in the short term even as it improves your car’s safety and performance over the long term. It works like this: When you take your car into All Around Auto Repair, you’ll have all four of your tires precisely adjusted to the manufacturer’s standards.
If you’ve ever been in a vehicle that has a “pull” to one side of the road or another then you already know how a vehicle can get out of alignment. Wheel alignment can actually get pretty technical and tailor-made for your driving habits, although going with the manufacturer’s standards is the way to go.
How Does It Work?
Certain off-road vehicles and race cars have their wheels aligned differently from most other kinds of cars. Whether you’re talking about a race car or a van to get the kids to soccer practice in, wheel alignment is about angles. Specifically, what are known as the caster, camber, and toe angles of your front and rear axles.
Fortunately, a lot of this stuff is calculated by computers nowadays. A mechanic simply uses a camera and clamp to grab on to each of your wheels and has the camera “talk” to a computer in order to determine the best caster, camber, and toe angles for your vehicle. The end result is a smoother ride.
What Causes Bad Wheel Alignment?
Your wheels can fall out of alignment for a number of reasons. The most common one is a reason that’s largely out of your control: bumpy roads and potholes. Parallel parking and going over a curb can also screw up how your wheels are aligned.
Bringing your car into All Around Auto Repair for a pit stop can quickly fix things up.
The thing about improper wheel alignment is that it can crop up after only a few curb taps or pothole misadventures. The problem gets worse and worse and eventually results in uneven tread wear on your tires (one problem can lead to another).
That’s why the auto experts advise getting your wheel alignment done about once a year, every 5,000 miles, or whenever you have your tires rotated. Tire drag from a car that hasn’t had a wheel alignment in a few years can seriously tank your fuel economy.
Concerned you’ve gone too long without a wheel alignment? Schedule a wheel alignment and tire rotation today along with a full inspection and general maintenance to ensure years of vehicle performance and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should you get a wheel alignment?
Getting a wheel alignment every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or at least once a year is ideal for most vehicles. Regular alignments ensure that your tires wear evenly, leading to better performance and improved fuel efficiency. If you’ve hit potholes or curbs recently, you might need an alignment sooner. Maintaining proper alignment can also prevent more costly repairs down the road, saving you money in the long run.
2. Can bad alignment affect gas mileage?
Absolutely! Poor wheel alignment causes tire drag, which means your vehicle has to work harder, burning more fuel. Studies suggest that improper alignment can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%, costing you more at the pump. A properly aligned vehicle will run smoother, reducing resistance and saving you money on gas.
3. What causes wheels to go out of alignment?
Several factors can throw your wheel alignment off, such as hitting potholes, curbs, or even regular wear and tear on your suspension. Rough terrain, bumpy roads, and sudden braking can also lead to misalignment. It’s important to have a mechanic check your alignment after any significant road incident to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
4. How do you know if your alignment is off?
Common signs of bad wheel alignment include the vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, and a crooked steering wheel when driving straight. You might also notice a vibrating steering wheel. These are indicators that it’s time to get an alignment check before the problem escalates into something more serious.
5. Can I do my own wheel alignment at home?
While some may attempt a DIY wheel alignment, it’s best left to professionals. Proper alignment involves adjusting complex angles like caster, camber, and toe using specialized equipment. Without these tools, you could make the problem worse, leading to uneven tire wear and even compromising vehicle safety. It’s best to trust a certified mechanic to handle this for you.
6. How long does a wheel alignment take?
A standard wheel alignment usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the condition of your suspension and other components. If additional adjustments or repairs are needed, like tire rotations or balancing, it may take longer. Booking an appointment for routine maintenance can ensure it’s done efficiently without much wait time.
7. Is wheel alignment the same as tire balancing?
No, wheel alignment and tire balancing are different services, although both are important for a smooth ride. Alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels to ensure they’re pointing in the right direction, while tire balancing ensures the weight is evenly distributed across the wheels. Both services improve ride quality, tire longevity, and safety.
8. What happens if you don’t align your wheels?
Ignoring wheel alignment can lead to uneven tire wear, making your tires unsafe to drive on and increasing the risk of blowouts. Over time, misaligned wheels can also affect your suspension and steering components, leading to costly repairs. Not to mention, your driving experience will suffer from reduced handling and control.
9. Does wheel alignment improve tire lifespan?
Yes, proper wheel alignment significantly extends the life of your tires. Misalignment causes uneven wear, meaning you’ll need to replace your tires more often. With the right alignment, tires wear evenly, helping you get the most out of their lifespan and saving you the cost of premature replacements.
10. How much does a wheel alignment cost?
The cost of a standard wheel alignment can range from $75 to $100 depending on the make and model of your vehicle and where you live. Some auto repair shops offer package deals that include tire rotations and alignments, helping you save in the long run. Regular alignments are a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of repairs from uneven tire wear or suspension damage.
