Signs I Need a Front End Alignment

Signs I Need a Front End Alignment

Posted on May 1, 2020

Because the body and frame of a vehicle are built to be extremely durable in case of a collision, many people don't realize how easily the suspension system on a car can become out of line. Hitting a large pothole or curb can easily knock your wheels out of alignment, which can cause a lot of damage to your tires and other components of the vehicle if left untreated. Luckily, there are few obvious signs that you can look for to tell if your vehicle needs a front end alignment.
 

Why is it Important to Get a Front End Alignment?

 

 
If your wheels are not aligned properly, it can make driving the vehicle much more difficult. Sometimes, the car will start to pull to the right or the left while driving down the road. This can make it hard for you to stay in your lane and remain in control of the vehicle.
 
Having your wheels not aligned can also cause your tires to become worn down a lot quicker, causing you to change your tires every few months. The cost of having to buy new tires can become very expensive very fast.
 
Having all of the wheels of your car aligned can help extend the life of your tires and help to ensure that you have a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
 

When Do I Need a Front End Alignment?

 
There are a few telltale signs that you can look for if your car needs a front end alignment. One thing that you can do to see if your car needs an alignment is to simply look at your tires. When the wheels need an alignment, the tires will drive unevenly on the road, which makes the tread of the tire more worn on one side. If you notice that the tread on one side of the tire is looking a little smooth or worn out, there is a good chance that your car needs a front end alignment.

A few other signs to look for could include:
• Vibrating steering wheel
• Vehicle pulls slightly or sharply to one direction
• Crooked steering wheel

If you notice any of these symptoms with your vehicle, it is important to have a knowledgable technician look at your vehicle as soon as possible.
 

How is a Front End Alignment Done?

 
Wheel alignments can be done at home if you are familiar with the front end alignment procedures that must be followed. However, if you are not sure how to perform a front end alignment, it is best to take your car to a professional technician in order to prevent damage to your wheels or vehicle.
 
When a technician is checking to see whether your wheels are properly aligned, they will carefully inspect each tire to make sure that each wheel is pointing straight. If the wheel is pointing slightly inward or slightly outward, they will either tighten or loosen the tire rod to straighten the wheel out.
 
Depending on how many wheels need to be aligned, the entire process can take about an hour to an hour-and-a-half to complete.
 
Needing a front end alignment is a problem that should not be ignored. If you feel that your wheels may need to be aligned, feel free to schedule an appointment with our experienced and knowledgeable service department today.

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