How often should you do car wheel alignments

Being a car owner comes with many responsibilities. You need to care for and maintain your vehicle regularly to get the most out of it. If care is not taken, it may damage your vehicle and cause accidents. Getting your car wheels aligned is one of the major things you need to do when owning a car. Wheel alignment checks and adjusts the angles of each wheel to each other and the car. Improper wheel alignment can result in a reduction in the life of the tire. Correct wheel alignment is crucial for the vehicle’s excellent handling capability and is essential in extending tire life. Read on to know if it’s time to find wheel alignment services near me!

Signs of incorrect wheel alignment

• Vibration
• The tendency of the car to wander
• The car pulling to one side while driving at highway speeds
• The vehicle is unstable and moves from one side to another
• Uneven wear out of the tire

A dysfunctional steering system is again a red sign of incorrect wheel alignment. When the wheels are properly aligned, the steering wheel typically returns to the center position after being turned. Owners need to know how often wheel alignment needs to be done.

When do you need to get your car wheel alignment done?

Wheel alignment matters for your car’s handling and the longevity of the tire. While there’s no time frame, it’s recommended every 2 to 3 years or when fitting new tyres. If the vehicle has endured rough roads, alignment becomes essential sooner.

Signs that indicate your car needs alignment include the steering wheel not centering after turns or the vehicle drifting to one side while driving. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent uneven wear and ensure safe driving.

When opting for car alignment services, choose a reputable service center with skilled mechanics. They know how to accurately assess whether your vehicle requires alignment adjustments based on its condition and the way you drive. Regular maintenance checks prolong your car’s lifespan and maintain its efficiency. Therefore, staying attentive to your vehicle’s alignment needs improves overall performance.

Types of Wheel Alignment

Here are three common types of car wheel alignment:

1. Front-end Alignment: Also known as two-wheel alignment, front-end alignment adjusts the front wheels, suitable for vehicles with a solid rear axle.
2. Four-wheel Alignment: It checks all four wheels, adjusts rear suspensions, and aligns both front and rear wheels to the centerline.
3. Thrust-angle Alignment: This alignment adjusts the front wheels and ensures the rear wheels’ thrust angle is correctly aligned with the centerline.

What can cause your wheels to get misaligned?

• If you do a lot of off-roading
• In case your car hits a pothole
• If your car gets into an accident
• Normal wear and tear, where you need regular wheel alignment every 2 to 3 years
• Bumping into a concrete parking stall

Benefits of getting your car’s wheel aligned

• Your vehicle stays stable on the road and handles better.
• Increase the lifespan of your tyres
• The suspension and steering components last longer
• You can maximize the fuel efficiency of the car. The cars that do not have their wheels aligned usually suffer a decrease in fuel efficiency by 7%!

Your car is much safer when driving in wet conditions and can stop safely. The treads on your tires have a direct impact on the stopping distance.  If you want to prolong the tread life of your tires, get your wheels regularly aligned.

As a car owner, you must be able to identify the signs of your wheels being misaligned. However, to ensure the optimal safety of your car, it is best to opt for a wheel alignment every time you go to change your vehicle’s oil.

The bottom line

Visit a reputed service center for your car’s wheel alignment. The experienced car technicians will be able to align your wheels as needed. You should avoid doing this by yourself as you may cause more damage to your vehicle.

Find the best wheel alignment services near me and take your car for regular servicing to ensure optimal maintenance and use of your car.