Keeping a vehicle in good condition requires constant attention. Any number of problems can arise with a vehicle regardless of its age, make, and model. On top of that, the more features and technology it has, the more things could potentially go wrong. Still, some components and maintenance needs are universal, and tires and wheels definitely fall into that category. All vehicles have them, and they all need to be kept in good shape.
Worn tires and damaged wheels can cause major problems. Those issues can often be spotted fairly easily. Some problems aren’t so simple to pinpoint, though. That’s generally the case if your wheels are out of alignment. Though you may not be able to look at the wheels and see that they’re not aligned properly if you’re not an expert in auto repair in Clinton, IA, you can certainly notice the effects of that type of issue.
How Misaligned Wheels Affect a Vehicle
When your wheels are out of alignment, they can cause several noticeable issues. One of the most common is pulling to one side or the other. If your steering wheel appears to be straight but the vehicle is veering slightly to the left or right, you may need to have the wheels aligned. In the event your vehicle is driving straight even though the wheel is slightly turned, that’s also a sign that you need wheel alignment. Pulling to one side is only one indication to watch for, though.
Uneven Tire Wear
Another surefire sign that your wheels aren’t aligned properly is uneven tire wear. Under normal circumstances, all four tires should wear evenly. If the wheels are out of alignment, though, that won’t happen. You may notice that the tires are wearing down more on the outside or inside edges than at the center. That shows that the tires aren’t making contact with the road as evenly as they should be.
Unusual Vibrations
If your wheels aren’t rolling in a completely straight path or are tilted out or in, they can cause your vehicle to vibrate. That’s definitely a noticeable effect of misaligned wheels. You’ll feel it even more when you’re driving faster. At the same time, the more your tires wear unevenly, the worse the vibrations will get. That, along with pulling to one side, may make your vehicle more difficult to handle. It’ll also take a toll on your steering, suspension, engine, and transmission.
Burning More Fuel
Additionally, misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to burn more fuel. When the tires aren’t tracking evenly and rolling smoothly, the engine has to work harder to keep your vehicle moving. That, in turn, leads to reduced fuel efficiency. Having to fill up more often will cost you far more in the long run than having your wheels aligned.
Keeping Your Wheels Aligned
If your vehicle’s wheels are out of alignment, ignoring the problem can lead to a long list of issues. If it goes on for too long, it may lead to costly repairs as well. In general, having your wheels aligned once a year or every 10,000 miles or so is recommended. That’ll protect not only your tires but also several other components. It’s an important part of vehicle maintenance that’s sure to pay off in the long run.
