Summer roads can be rough on your vehicle. Heavy rains and heavy traffic often create deep potholes that can sneak up on you. Hitting a large bump or a deep hole can easily shake up your car and cause hidden damage. If your vehicle no longer drives straight or the steering wheel vibrates, your suspension may need attention. You may need a professional auto wheel alignment to fix the issue and restore your smooth ride.
What Are the Signs I Need a Wheel Alignment?
When you hit a pothole, the metal parts holding your tires can bend slightly. This sudden impact changes the specific angle of your tires. They no longer point perfectly straight down the road. You can often feel this shift while driving down the highway.
The 3 Signs of a Summer Pothole Misalignment
Mechanics look for specific clues to see if your wheels are out of alignment. Here is a checklist of three common signs of alignment trouble:
- The vehicle drifts to one side: When you let go of the wheel on a flat, straight road, the car should keep moving straight. If it pulls or drifts, the alignment may be off, or there may be another tire or suspension issue.
- The steering wheel is crooked: You might notice it sits off-center when you are driving straight. The wheel should usually feel centered in your hands.
- The edges of the tires are wearing unevenly: Look closely at your tire tread. If the inside or outside edges wear faster, the alignment may be incorrect, or a suspension part may be worn.
Why Potholes Cause So Much Hidden Damage
Your suspension is made of heavy metal arms, joints, and rubber bushings. These parts are built to be strong. However, a sudden, hard hit can knock them out of their proper place by just a fraction of an inch. That tiny shift is all it takes to ruin how your vehicle handles. A misaligned car forces you to grip the steering wheel tightly just to keep the vehicle safely in its lane. This makes long trips very stressful and tiring for your arms.
How Misaligned Tires Cost You Money
Tires are very expensive to replace. When they drag against the road instead of rolling smoothly, the rubber scrubs off extremely fast. You might have to buy a completely new set of tires years earlier than expected.
This constant dragging also forces your engine to work harder just to maintain normal speeds. A harder-working engine burns a lot more gas. Getting a routine auto wheel alignment can help your tires last much longer and save you real money at the gas pump.
What Happens During the Service?
You might wonder how a mechanic actually fixes this common problem. Technicians use a special machine with cameras and lasers to measure the exact angles of your wheels.
They carefully check three main angles:
- Camber: This is how much the tire leans inward or outward when you look at it from the front of the car.
- Toe: This is how much the tires point inward or outward when looking from above. Think of a person standing with their toes pointing together.
- Caster: This specific angle helps the steering wheel automatically return to the center after you make a turn.
A mechanic adjusts the suspension and steering components until the wheel angles are within the manufacturer’s specifications. A proper auto wheel alignment helps the wheels track in the correct direction.
When Should You Check Your Tires?
Many drivers wonder when they should schedule this specific service. It is often a good idea to have a mechanic look at your suspension once a year. You should also ask for a check whenever you buy brand-new tires. Putting fresh tires on a misaligned car will quickly ruin the new rubber.
Hitting a large curb while parking is another common reason to get a quick checkup. Catching a small bend early can stop uneven tire wear before it ruins your tread completely. A routine auto wheel alignment makes driving much safer and far more relaxing.
Related Articles:
- Hit a Pothole? Signs You Need Sumner Auto Wheel Alignment Now
- Graham Auto Wheel Alignment: Why Your Car Pulls Left or Right
Keep Your Car Driving Straight
You deserve a vehicle that handles well in every season. Ignoring a shaking steering wheel or uneven tire wear will only lead to rougher rides and higher costs.
Goods Automotive provides accurate suspension checks and precise adjustments using highly modern equipment. Our technicians will show you exactly how your tires are wearing and explain what adjustments your car needs.
Schedule your auto wheel alignment today and enjoy a smoother, safer ride all summer long.
