Wheel alignment is one of those maintenance tasks that is often neglected, despite its importance. Properly aligned wheels contribute to improved handling, tire wear, fuel efficiency, and safety. 

So the main concern of every car user is how often they should get a wheel alignment, however, the answer to this question is not so simple. Lets figure out through this post, which simply explains when it is appropriate to have a wheel alignment performed and how it will improve the vehicle

Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. From the correct alignment, all wheels should receive the appropriate amount of turning force and contact the road surface well. If this condition is disregarded, the wheels may wear out unevenly, increase fuel consumption, be more difficult to steer, and lower the reliability and efficiency of the car.

How Frequently Should You Perform a Wheel Alignment?

How frequently you should align wheels will depend on several factors including driving environment, nature of the vehicle and extent of alignment problems. Here are some recommendations to bear in mind:

1. Every 2 Years or After Covering 24,000 Miles Distance

According to Applewood Auto Care Experts, almost every two years or after every 24,000 miles should be enough for such maintenance on most vehicles so as not to allow slight alignment imperfections to develop into serious ones which can be more damaging and disruptive. The reason for doing this is to facilitate steering and prolong tire wear out period more often than not tires always have to be realigned.

2. After Installing New Tires

The next thing you need to do is to properly check your new tires whether the wheels are properly aligned. There’s a risk that the new tires will end up being improperly worn down because of incorrect alignment, and because of this they would not last as long as they should be. Just a simple alignment check before getting the new ones can potentially save the investment.

3. When Involved In a Pot-Hole Incident or Curb

Unexpected collisions and any other connection to a road surface like a pothole or curb can put your wheels out of alignment. Although the narrative does sound bad and most certainly gives an impression of some collision sustained, it is always wise moving forward to check the alignment of wheels after such instances, which would save a lot in the long run.

4. If Steering Issues Arises

When you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or experiencing vibration in the steering wheel, at that time, a wheel alignment may be necessary. These symptoms indicate potential alignment problems that, if left unaddressed, could lead to increased tire wear and a bumpy ride.

Signs Your Car May Need a Wheel Alignment

If your vehicle has the following problems, you may need to schedule for a wheel alignment.

• Towards One Side: If your car drifts while you are driving straight, your wheels are likely mis-aligned.

• Worn Out Tires: Poor alignment means that the wheels are not working properly and would usually wear tires on one side more, and uneven tire wear would be noticeable.

• Steering Wheel is Crooked: If the steering wheel isn’t level with the road when it’s on level ground, this can be a sign of misalignment.

• Steering Wheel Vibration: Steering wheel vibrations can be uncomfortable to drive with, and it’s caused by misalignment.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you can visit the Applewood Auto Care center to have your vehicle checked for any alignment problems.

Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignments

Regular wheel alignments have many benefits, for example they include the following:

1. Increases the Life of Tires: Losing the longevity of tires due to uneven wear and tear can be a problem for many. Well adjusted wheels, apart from being beneficial for the driving, also allow the tires to have even wear and tear because they are aligned properly.

2. Lower fuel consumption: Ideally, everything in the modern car is built with precision so that all movements are balanced and aligned. If the tires aren’t aligned properly, they create more friction which means that the engine has to exert more power to turn the car. Properly aligned wheels enable high fuel efficiency which proves to be quite essential.

3. Improved Handling and Safety: Proper alignments will improve handling and steering ease as well as improvement in vehicle stability at higher speeds.

4. Cost of Repairs is Decreased: One of the areas that can be harmed by overlooking the alignment of one’s automobile is the steering and suspension components. Proper and timely alignment helps mitigate those losses.

In the case of Wheel Alignments, Why Trust Applewood Auto Care?

The combination of experienced professionals and using high-tech alignment equipment ensures Applewood Auto Care achieves the optimal wheel alignment every time. This is what makes Applewood stand out:

1. Qualified Technical Stuff: Applewood’s certified technicians have many years of experience and are skilled in diagnosing and solving problems regarding wheel and suspension alignments for all types of automobiles.

2. Cutting Edge Devices: Applewood Auto Care employs modern equipment and tools for alignment to guarantee correct readings and modification of the vehicle aiming at an improved performance and better handling.

3. End Users are the Focus: Applewood Auto Care ensures no extra charges on the delivery of the alignment services, and at the same time, billing is clear and understandable to the clients needing work on their cars.

Get an Alignment Check, If you are in Doubt

As a vehicle owner, if you are in a doubt that your car need a alignment, a straightforward solution is to have it checked. It is only through constant checks that one can be able to nip in the bud even minor complications. Contact Applewood Auto Care today to book your suspension alignment check and experience the difference quality care can make.