Safe driving encompasses many things, including the alignment of your wheels. Alignment issues can occur at any time, like when you drive over a pothole, bump into concrete parking stalls, or go over a curb. General wear and tear can also throw off wheel alignment and affect how your vehicle operates. Correct this issue to avoid dangerous problems.

Top 3 Dangers of Improper Wheel Alignment

1. Uneven Tire Wear

Wheels that are not adequately aligned cause tires to wear out prematurely and unevenly. Misaligned, bald tires cannot grip the road the way they should, which makes it harder to stop. They also increase the chance of blowouts because some sections are thinner than others. This is a serious risk that can easily result in accidents, including those with other vehicles.

2. Pulling to the Left or Right

Wheels that aren’t on track due to alignment issues affect driving and handling. Your wheels are not moving forward the way they should and move either to the left or the right instead. This causes your vehicle to “pull” in one direction or the other. If the problem is severe enough, you may not be able to control whether your vehicle moves to the left or the right, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries.

3. Faster Brake Wear

Uneven tire wear and handling problems cause you to hit your brakes more often. This wears the brake pads down prematurely and increases your accident risk. You are at an even greater risk when you have to stop suddenly during an emergency situation, as you may not be able to stop in time, risking collisions with other cars, people, animals, and road hazards.

Dee’s Auto Care Specialists is the locally owned auto repair business with convenient locations in La Crosse and Onalaska, WI, and Winona, MN. Specializing in wheel alignments, brake and muffler installation and repairs, and preventative maintenance, you will enjoy the comprehensive service you need to stay safe on the road. Team members are ASE-Certified and are always ready to answer your questions. Call (608) 782-2530, or visit the website to schedule service. Follow the auto repair shop on Twitter for more helpful tips.