The Three Most Common Signs That Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment, also called tire alignment, should be done about every 6,000 miles or as needed because your tires are not aligned. Your tires can get out of alignment if you hit a curb, hit a pothole or even get in a car accident. Keeping your wheels aligned helps your tires to wear at an even rate, which ultimately helps them to last as long as they are designed to. Learning the signs of your tires being unaligned will help you determine when professional tire alignment is needed. Here are three of the most common signs that your car is in need of wheel alignment services. 

Your Steering Wheel is Crooked

When you are driving your car on a straight road, take a quick glance down at your steering wheel. As you drive straight, the logo on the steering wheel should be centered and in the upright position. If the logo is off, your steering wheel is likely crooked. And the number one reason your steering whee would be crooked when you are driving in a straight line is because your wheel alignment is off. Realigning the wheels will help solve the problem and center your steering wheel once again. 

Your Car is Pulling to One Side

Another sign that your wheels are not properly aligned is your car pulling to one side. When you are driving on a straight road, let go of the steering wheel for one brief moment.Your car should continue to go forward in a straight path. But if your wheel alignment is off, it may pull to either the right or left side. If you notice this happening, be sure to take your car to a tire shop and let them know which direction your car is pulling in. 

Your Car is Vibrating

The last sign that your wheels are not aligned is your car vibrating while it is driving. If the wheels are completely out of alignment, it may feel like you are driving on a rocky road or uneven road. This feeling, or the vibration, typically indicates that not only are your tires not aligned, but that they have worn unevenly. Your tires should be inspected and possibly replaced if damage has been done to one or more of the tires due to them being out of alignment. 

If your car is showing any of these signs, wheel alignment is likely needed. Schedule an appointment with your tire store today to have your tires rotated and properly aligned, helping to ensure your tires last as long as they are designed to.