Question: How do I know when I need a wheel alignment?
Express Car Care Answer: When Denver drivers wheels are properly aligned, they point in the same direction. When they are out of alignment, most drivers notice a couple of things. First, the vehicle pulls to one side when driving. It can be slight or pretty severe. If your wheels have been out of alignment for a while, you’ll also start to see uneven tire wear – the shoulder on either the outside or inside of the tire is worn down more than the other.
There are many steering and suspension components that are joined together. Everyday driving can cause a drivers wheels to go out of alignment over time just from the joints loosening up. That’s why a simple alignment check is recommended every couple of years. Depending on where you live or the conditions you drive in ( off-road driving, harsh winter conditions, poor pavement, etc.) an alignment inspection every year may be necessary.
Suspension and steering components wear over time as well, which can lead to alignment issues for drivers. Of course, hitting a curb or pothole can knock a wheel out of alignment or damage a steering or suspension part.
Your friendly and knowledgeable service adviser will check your tires for uneven wear. The type of wear provides clues to what might be wrong. Parts located under the car are inspected for wear or damage. An alignment machine will provide a reading of how each wheel is aligned. The reading is compared with the alignment settings and then makes the necessary adjustments and repairs to bring your wheel back into alignment.
Due to the size of our shop, we don’t have the equipment to provide alignment service, but we can recommend quality shops that do provide this necessary service.
Putting off a wheel alignment can be dangerous because of tire wear, a bad alignment can chew through a tire pretty quickly. If you see uneven tire wear, or if your steering wheel is off center, or your vehicle pulls to one side, ask your service adviser about getting an alignment check.