You may have seen our previous post about general wheel alignment issues. Now, let’s take a deep dive into the 7 signs that you might really need an alignment check, pronto!
When your vehicle pulls left or right
When your tires are wearing out unevenly or too quickly
After you hit a pothole or drive on uneven roads
When replacing suspension or steering parts
When getting new tires to ensure they wear properly
When your steering wheel isn’t centered while going straight down the road
It has been longer than one year since it was checked last
When your vehicle pulls left or right
What is normal for pull vs. what is not normal? Even a brand new vehicle could have some pull. Keep in mind that most roads have “crown”. Roads are designed to allow water to run off of them. If your pull is aggressive, meaning you need to hold your steering wheel straight in order to go straight, then you probably have alignment issues.
When your tires are wearing out unevenly or too quickly
When you go into the shop and have to get 4 new tires, you will typically spend anywhere from $500.00 to $1,000.00. I think I speak for everyone when I say I would like my tires to last as long as possible! Why replace them every year or two when I know I can get at least 5 years out of them? Of course it all depends on the amount of miles you drive each year. An alignment will ensure all 4 tires are wearing normally, as long as the tire pressure is where it’s supposed to be.
After you hit a pothole or drive on uneven roads
Potholes are the worst! Some states have more than others and being a shop with locations in Minnesota, we have two seasons, summer and pothole repair season (or road construction season). Our cars take a beating and one quick dip into a pothole can take your car from happy and straight to grumpy and out of alignment. The tricky thing is that you may not always feel a difference. If your family is heading out of town and driving on dirt roads or roads that are not well kept, will also contribute to taking your vehicle out of alignment.
When replacing suspension or steering parts
If you have to replace your struts, inner or outer tie rod ends, or other alignable components, you must also have an alignment completed in order for all the wheels to point in the proper direction. Sometimes you may want to raise or lower your vehicle by inserting a lift kit or lowering kit, it is always a “must-do” to have an alignment performed at that time.
