A vehicle that is out of alignment is difficult to control. Other concerns over poor alignment include damage to your tires and suspension. Stringer Auto Repair, LLC, is a full-service automotive maintenance and repair shop and we handle wheel alignments. How can you tell if your vehicle is out of alignment? Look for the following four signs, some of which are subtle and others more obvious.
Your Vehicle Pulls When You Drive
If you fight constantly to keep your car, truck, or SUV heading straight down the road you probably have alignment issues. Your vehicle should never pull to one direction or the other when you are driving straight. If it does want to drift right or left, your wheels are out of alignment or you have something else going on such as low tire pressure in the tires on the side of which your automobile is pulling.
Rapid Tire Wear That Isn’t Even
Check your tire tread frequently to ensure your tires are wearing down evenly. Have your tires rotated every 6,000 miles, as well. If your tire tread is wearing down unevenly, it could be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment. Another sign of wheel alignment issues is rapid tire wear. Your tires have a mileage guarantee, i.e. 50,000 miles. If you take care of them they shouldn’t wear down prior to that.
Crooked Steering Wheel
Have you ever driven straight and let go of the wheel to see what would happen? Did you notice your car continued to drive straight and your steering wheel stayed in the upright position? If this happened, your wheels are aligned. If your steering is lopsided when you’re driving straight, your wheels are out of alignment. Your steering wheel should always be upright and straight unless you turn it to turn your car.
Tires That Squeal
Finally, your tires should never squeal unless you purposely put the pedal to the metal and burn rubber. If they squeak or squeal while you drive, there is something going on underneath your automobile. It is likely your wheel alignment, but it could also be a problem with your tires, such as a manufacturer’s defect. If your tires vibrate while you drive, your wheels are out of balance.
Stop by Stringer Auto Repair, LLC, in Johnstown, OH, for a wheel inspection. We can realign your wheels if they’ve been bumped out of alignment.
