How do I test my alignment?
Take your vehicle to an empty parking lot. Press the gas a little but don’t touch the steering wheel. Watch the logo in the center of your steering wheel. If the wheel turns more than 5- to 10-degrees over 40–50 feet (12–15 m), you may have an alignment issue. There are a few noticeable signs you need an alignment: Your vehicle pulls to one side. Uneven or rapid tire wear. Your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight.Signs of incorrect wheel alignment These include: A steering wheel that isn’t straight. Your vehicle pulling to one side whilst driving. Tyres wearing more on one side than the other.Yes, you can drive with bad wheel alignment, but it is not recommended. It can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, and your tyres to wear unevenly. Can bad wheel alignment cause vibrations? Yes, bad wheel alignment can cause vibrations, particularly at higher speeds.Before performing an alignment, it is important to inspect tires and wheels, check all steering and suspension components for wear or damage, look for excessive weight in passenger and cargo areas and verify curb height is within spec.
How do I know if I need an alignment or balance?
If a wheel is out of balance, it will cause a vibration that can felt in the steering wheel and/or seat, while a wheel out of alignment can cause excessive tire wear as well as steering problems. Wheel alignment consists of adjusting the wheel angles so they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. If your alignment is off, your tires can wear out unevenly and much faster than they should. Even if your car felt fine before, installing new tires changes how your vehicle sits and rides. Any small misalignment might not have been noticeable with worn tires, but it can become a problem with new tread.Yes, you can drive with bad wheel alignment, but it is not recommended. It can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, and your tyres to wear unevenly. Can bad wheel alignment cause vibrations? Yes, bad wheel alignment can cause vibrations, particularly at higher speeds.Premature Tire Wear: Misalignment causes uneven tire wear patterns that lead to premature tire replacement. This increases maintenance expenses and can also compromise vehicle grip and road safety. Proper alignment ensures even wear distribution, which increases tire lifespan and improves your tire investment value.Pressure on shocks, springs, and tires can cause them to slowly slip out of alignment over time. More drastic causes of wheel misalignment include dramatic, jolting impacts. If you hit a curb or a pothole, take a speed bump too quickly, or have an accident, this can knock your wheels out of alignment.Consider a Vehicle Alignment Service If your vehicle shows signs like uneven tire wear, a vibrating or off-center steering wheel, or squealing tires, it’s probably time for an alignment check.
What is the difference between wheel balancing and alignment?
Unlike balancing, which is normally about the tire and wheel assembly, alignment is in fact about the vehicle suspension. Aligning your vehicle suspension means adjusting the wheel angles to the manufacturer’s specifications. This includes adjusting the vehicle’s alignment and camber, as discussed in more detail below. Under normal circumstances, a wheel alignment will take an average of one hour, whether it’s a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle. If there’s too much wear and tear or damage on the suspension system, steering bushing, track rod, or other parts, it’ll take a longer time as some components have to be replaced.In order to achieve and maintain a smooth drive the steering and suspension of all four wheels need to be checked and measured. This is why alignment is also known as ‘tracking’ or ‘four-wheel alignment’.An alignment is not a time-consuming procedure and should typically take an hour or less. A four-wheel alignment (as opposed to a front-wheel one) will take a little longer, and if the mechanic finds broken or worn-out parts in the suspension system, replacing them will take longer as well.
Can wheel alignment affect steering?
Your wheels might look straight, but even small alignment problems can cause big headaches for drivers in Lakeland. Poor wheel alignment doesn’t just wear out your tires—it puts stress on your entire steering and suspension system. It’s important to maintain proper wheel alignment on your vehicle. While getting your alignment done once or twice a year is advisable, there are other times when an alignment may be necessary to avoid loss of gas mileage and excessive tire wear.Yes, wheel alignment is worth it. Proper wheel alignment ensures that your car handles well, has better fuel efficiency, and prolongs the lifespan of your tires. It also improves your car’s safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by poor handling.Should you get an alignment with new tires? Yes! An alignment helps ensure your tires perform their best, last longer, and keep you safely on the straight and narrow.As a general guideline, most vehicles benefit from a wheel alignment every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or about once a year. This schedule often lines up with routine tire rotations or oil changes, making it easier to remember. However, the exact timing can vary.