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The Importance of Regular Wheel Alignment for Tire Longevity

December 21, 2024 by Denver Express Car Care

We’ve all had wheel alignment issues from time to time. It might look like this: You’re cruising down the highway when you notice your car pulling slightly to one side. You chalk it up to the road, but weeks later, your tires are wearing unevenly, and your steering feels off. The culprit? Misaligned wheels.

Regular wheel alignment is one of those maintenance tasks that can often be overlooked, but its impact on your tires, handling, and overall vehicle performance is significant. Proper alignment ensures your tires wear evenly, last longer, and provide the safest and smoothest ride possible.

Yep, wheel alignment matters. But where do you go from here? What does wheel alignment look like in your life? Let’s look at the signs your car needs it, and how it directly impacts tire longevity.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

Alignment is all about putting things in order. It’s adjusting parts so they are in the proper relative position. So, for wheel alignment, it involves adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels so they’re set to the manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures the wheels are perfectly parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground.

The three primary angles adjusted during alignment are:

  • Camber: The tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Too much inward or outward tilt leads to uneven tire wear.
  • Toe: The direction the wheels point relative to each other. Imagine looking down at your feet—if your toes point inward or outward, your car’s wheels might do the same.
  • Caster: The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side. This impacts steering stability and cornering.

Why Wheel Alignment Matters for Tire Longevity

Your tires are one of the most significant investments you make for your car. You don’t want to replace your tires frequently, yet they are the one part that connects with the road, and has the potential for wearing out quickly if not in good condition. 

The Importance of Regular Wheel Alignment for Tire Longevity

Misaligned wheels can shorten their lifespan dramatically. It means all four wheels – and the tires – are not connecting to the road similarly, and that’s a problem. Alignment is essential for tire health:

Even Tire Wear

When your wheels are aligned, the tires make uniform contact with the road. Misalignment causes uneven wear—some parts of the tire wear faster than others, reducing overall lifespan.

Improved Traction

Proper alignment ensures maximum tread contact with the road, giving you better traction and control. Misaligned wheels compromise this, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

Reduced Rolling Resistance

Misaligned wheels create drag, forcing the tires to work harder to roll. This not only increases tire wear but also reduces fuel efficiency.

Prevention of Sidewall Damage

If your car consistently pulls to one side, it can stress the tire’s sidewalls, increasing the risk of damage or blowouts.

Signs Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment

Your car’s wheels need proper wheel alignment. But how do you know if they aren’t? Here are the key warning signs:

Your Car Pulls to One Side

If your car drifts to the left or right when driving on a straight, flat road, it’s a classic sign of misalignment.

Uneven Tire Wear

Check your tires. If the tread is worn more on one side or in a specific pattern, misalignment could be the cause.

Steering Feels Off

A crooked steering wheel or difficulty maintaining a straight line could indicate alignment issues.

Noisy Tires

Unusual humming or buzzing sounds from your tires might mean they’re struggling to make proper contact with the road.

Recent Impacts

Hit a pothole or curb recently? Even minor impacts can throw your wheels out of alignment.

How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is considered regular maintenance. It’s something you should schedule as you would an oil change, or having your brakes checked. Of course, how often you should have your wheels aligned can depend on several different things. 

An easy way is to do it by mileage. Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever is more frequent, will ensure your wheels are in good shape. 

You should also get a car’s wheels aligned after replacing tires or suspension components. That’s a significant change to your car – enough that aligning it will help ensure your car connects properly to the road. 

And you know that pothole you hit last week, the one that made you cringe? Following a significant impact, like hitting a pothole or curb, is always a good time to bring your car in for wheel alignment. Because chances are it impacted the way your car drives. 

If you live at the end of a dirt road, where you feel like four-wheeling just to get home, consider scheduling alignments more often to protect your tires and suspension.

The Cost of Ignoring Wheel Alignment

Skipping regular alignments might seem like a way to save money, but it often leads to higher costs down the road. Here’s what you risk by ignoring alignment:

Premature Tire Replacement

Misalignment accelerates tire wear, forcing you to replace your tires sooner than expected.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Misaligned wheels create drag, which makes your engine work harder and burns more fuel.

Suspension Damage

Prolonged misalignment stresses suspension components, leading to costly repairs.

Safety Hazards

Poor alignment reduces handling and traction, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in adverse conditions.

How Wheel Alignment Is Done

Curious about what happens during a wheel alignment? It’s a precise process that involves:

  • Inspection: A technician checks for visible signs of misalignment, such as uneven tire wear.
  • Measurement: Advanced equipment measures the camber, toe, and caster angles of your wheels.
  • Adjustment: Using specialized tools, the technician adjusts the angles to match your car’s manufacturer specifications.
  • Final Check: The alignment is verified to ensure everything is within the correct range.

Tips to Maintain Proper Wheel Alignment

While professional alignments are essential, you can take steps to keep your wheels aligned for longer:

  • Drive Carefully: Avoid potholes, curbs, and rough roads when possible.
  • Check Tire Pressure: Underinflated or overinflated tires can affect alignment over time.
  • Rotate Tires Regularly: Regular tire rotations promote even wear and reduce strain on your suspension.
  • Watch for Symptoms: Pay attention to the signs of misalignment and address them promptly.

The Role of Alignment in a Comprehensive Maintenance Plan

Wheel alignment isn’t a standalone service—it’s part of a holistic approach to vehicle care. By combining alignment with other maintenance tasks like tire rotations, balancing, and regular inspections, you’ll maximize tire life, improve handling, and enhance overall driving safety.

If your car exhibits any signs of misalignment—or if it’s been a while since your last alignment—don’t wait to schedule an inspection. While DIY solutions exist, professional alignments use precision tools and advanced technology to ensure accurate results.

Your tires are your car’s only point of contact with the road, making their care and longevity critical. Regular wheel alignments not only protect this investment but also improve handling, safety, and fuel efficiency.

If you’re noticing signs of misalignment or want to ensure your tires last as long as possible, schedule an alignment with our expert team today. A smooth, safe ride—and longer-lasting tires—are just an appointment away.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks, Tires Tagged With: Wheel Alignment For Tire Longevity

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

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