Discover why poor wheel alignment on your car costs you money.

Why Is Wheel Alignment Important?

Have you ever wondered, “What exactly is wheel alignment?” Simply put, it’s about making sure your wheels are set at the right angles so they point straight ahead, just like they should. When your vehicle’s wheels are correctly aligned, they work together smoothly, giving you better handling, improved safety, and longer-lasting tires.

But on the off-chance that you haven’t heard of a wheel alignment, you’ve definitely felt it if you’ve spent a significant amount of time on the road:

• Does your vehicle tend to veer to one side while driving?

• Is your steering wheel off-center when driving straight?

• After turning, does your steering wheel return to the center without much effort?

• Are you frequently adjusting your steering on highways or freeways?

• Do you notice unusual tire wear on the inner or outer edges of one or more tires?

These could be signs your alignment needs attention.

Why Should You Care About Tire Alignment?

Tire alignment is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to your vehicle’s safety and performance. The simple answer is it affects everything from your tires’ lifespan to your car’s fuel efficiency. 

If your wheels aren’t aligned properly, you’ll notice issues like uneven tire wear, poor gas mileage, and steering problems. This can be a hassle—and can even put your safety at risk.

Poor alignment leads to uneven wear, meaning you'll need new tires sooner than expected. Plus, your vehicle will require more power to drive, using even more gas.

How Do You Know When Your Wheel Alignment Is Off?

If your car starts pulling to one side, or if your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight, it’s time to check the wheel alignment. You might also notice your tires wearing unevenly, which is a clear sign that your alignment needs attention. 

Oh, and if you find yourself constantly correcting the steering to keep your car straight, unfortunately, that’s another sign.

How Does Misalignment Happen?

Misalignment can happen from things like hitting potholes, curbs, or even just regular driving. Over time, the wear and tear on your vehicle’s suspension and steering components can cause shifts, throwing off the alignment. That’s why it’s essential to get regular wheel alignment checks. 

If you’ve noticed things like your car pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, and any of the other symptoms we’ve touched on above, it’s a good idea to check your alignment. Catching issues early can save you from bigger problems down the road.

The Wheel Alignment Process

When you get a wheel alignment, your technician adjusts the angles of your wheels: camber, caster, and toe. These adjustments ensure that your tires are positioned correctly for optimal handling, wear, and fuel efficiency.

• Camber affects how your tires tilt. If off, it can cause uneven tire wear and poor handling.

• Caster helps with steering stability—more caster gives better straight-line stability, while less enhances responsiveness.

• Toe impacts tire wear and fuel efficiency; if out of alignment, your tires can wear down prematurely.

The technician uses advanced equipment to restore the correct angles, ensuring your vehicle drives smoothly and efficiently.

How Often Should You Get a Tire Alignment?

Most experts recommend checking your wheel alignment about every 6,000 miles or twice a year. 

But if you notice your car pulling to one side or any of the other signs mentioned, don’t wait. Get it checked out sooner to prevent bigger issues down the road.

Get Your Wheel Alignment Checked and Taken Care of With Discount Tire & Service Centers

So, now that you know what wheel alignment is and why it matters, keeping your tires aligned is another way to ensure your car stays in top shape. A simple alignment check can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your tires, improving fuel efficiency, and keeping your ride safe and smooth.

Let’s get you back on track with a wheel alignment! Our team will check out your suspension, take accurate computer measurements, and make the necessary tweaks to get your vehicle back to factory specs.