When You Need To Get A Wheel Alignment
Your local auto shop may have mentioned that your car needs a wheel alignment. If you thought it was unnecessary, here are some valid reasons when your car can benefit from a wheel alignment.
You Just Had New Tires Installed
One time it is worth it to get a wheel alignment is when you just had new tires put on your car. The tires are brand new, and the tread is even, so having a wheel alignment done will ensure that the tires wear down at the same rate. This is done by actually making suspension adjustments so that all four wheels are aligned perfectly with each other.
Your Old Tires Have Uneven Tread Wear
It is worth taking a moment to look at all four of your tires and make a note of how the tread is wearing down. Misaligned wheels will be putting pressure on the tires at different points. One tire may be worn out in the center of the treads, while another tire is balding on the side. This is a clear indication that you need to get a wheel alignment to correct these uneven wear problems.
You Need A Tie Rod Replacement
Any time you are replacing a component that is a part of the vehicle's steering component, you should get a wheel alignment done. This is especially true when you get tie rods replaced. Do not assume that your mechanic will perform a wheel alignment after replacing this part, so be sure to ask about having it done. It is very possible that the alignment can change during the process done to install the tie rod, so it is better to be safe than sorry by having this alignment done.
Your Car Pulls To The Side When Driving
A clear sign of the wheels being out of alignment is how your car handles on the road. Try driving on a road that is flat and smooth, then take your hands off the wheel and see how the car behaves. If the car starts to consistently drift to one sign, you will need to get a wheel alignment to fix it. A car that is working fine will have the car drive instead of drifting to a single side.
When in doubt, take your car to a local auto shop like Wolfe's Foreign Auto to have it inspected. Sensors can be put on the wheels to tell you just how much the wheels are out of alignment.
