5 Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Wheel Alignment
A wheel alignment should be a regular part of everyone’s vehicle maintenance, tire rotations, and oil changes. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize they need one because you can’t physically see if your wheels are out of alignment while driving. Because driving your vehicle when the wheels aren’t aligned can be dangerous and uncomfortable, it’s important to know when you need a wheel alignment.
If you’re in need of a wheel alignment or other vehicle maintenance in El Paso, Sergio Lewis is here to help. Contact us online or call (915) 593-0191 today to learn more about our services!
What is a Wheel Alignment?
As the name indicates, wheel alignment is getting your wheels back in line. No, a mechanic doesn’t physically take your tires and straighten them out. Instead, a wheel alignment is when a mechanic realigns your steering wheel and suspension systems. Because each of these systems directly connects to your wheels and greatly affects them, it’s referred to as a wheel alignment. By manipulating and adjusting these systems, it changes how your tires touch the road. Contact us to learn more about wheel alignments and where to get yours today!
Why Are Wheel Alignments Necessary?
When you first purchase a brand-new car, the wheels, steering, and suspension are perfectly aligned. Over time, however, these things fall out of alignment and need to get put back in order. If you go too long without a wheel alignment, it can cause permanent damage to your steering or suspension systems. Driving with misaligned wheels can also result in a bumpy ride and even become dangerous.
How to Know I Need a Wheel Alignment
Because of how important it is to have your wheel aligned, it’s vital to know the warning signs that you need a wheel alignment.
The Vehicle Doesn’t Drive Straight
One of the more obvious signs that you need a wheel alignment is when your vehicle isn’t driving straight. To test this theory, find a straight patch of road and drive in a straight line. If you take your hands off the steering wheel and your vehicle gradually starts turning one way or the other, you need a wheel alignment.
Your Tires Aren’t Wearing Evenly
The next sign to look for is uneven tire wear. Contrary to what you might think, you don’t have to be a mechanic to notice uneven tire wear. Simply look at the top of your two front tires and examine the tread on them. If one half of the tread is flatter or higher than the other half, it means that your tires aren’t wearing evenly. This means that one side of the tire is making more contact with the road than the other, indicating that you need a wheel alignment.
Crooked Steering Wheel
The most obvious sign that you need a wheel alignment is if your steering wheel is slightly crooked when you’re driving in a straight line. In other words, if you’re driving straight, but it looks like the wheel is slightly turned to the left or right, you need a wheel alignment.
Noises When Steering
In addition to having a crooked wheel, you’ll also be able to hear noises when you turn your wheel if you need a tire alignment. Steering noises include groans, squeaks, squeals, or any other type of noise. Steering wheels are supposed to be silent when you’re turning, which means that any noise is a bad sign.
Squealing Tires
Finally, you can also expect to hear squealing tires if you’re driving with unaligned tires. Squealing tires is one of the more advanced signs that you need a wheel alignment, and you should take immediate action.
Who to Contact
If you notice any of these issues with your vehicle, contact us online or call (915) 593-0191 today. We have some of the best mechanics in El Paso and are here for all your vehicular maintenance needs!
