If you’re not familiar with different auto maintenance practices, you may wonder what your mechanic means when they recommend a wheel alignment. Your vehicle’s alignment has a big impact on major components like the engine and transmission, so its importance should never be overlooked. Here, you’ll find a helpful guide detailing the alignment process, as well as some facts illustrating why it’s an essential part of auto maintenance. 

Wheel Alignments: What Are They & Why Are They Important? 

Alignments Are All About Suspension

Wheel alignment doesn’t actually involve working with the wheels themselves — it’s actually an adjustment to your vehicle’s suspension. When bringing your car to an auto center for alignment services, technicians use an electronic system to tweak its suspension and adjust the angle of your tires.

They Keep Your Vehicle in Optimal Shape

Your tire position on the roadway has far-reaching effects on a vehicle’s other components. A misaligned vehicle can pull to the left or right, affecting your safety behind the wheel. Additionally, improperly angled wheels cause unnecessary wear and tear on your tires and added engine stress. By investing in a wheel alignment service, you can prevent these issues and increase the life span of your vehicle. 

Align Wheels When You Change Tires

Most mechanics recommend re-aligning your wheels every time you change your tires. Since your car will have been previously aligned for a different set of treads, the angles need to be readjusted to accommodate new tires. You can also look up the wheel alignment recommendations in your drivers manual to get a better idea of how frequently an alignment is needed. Some warning signs include a vibrating steering wheel, unusual wear on your tires, and reduced fuel efficiency. 

Including wheel alignment services into your regular tune-up schedule makes your vehicle run smoothly and safely. If you have additional questions about the alignment process, Quick Lane at Jack Kain Ford in Versailles, KY, will walk you through the details. For more than 40 years, they’ve been outfitting drivers with affordable oil changes, auto inspections, and general maintenance services. Call them today at (877) 837-1796 for an estimate, or visit their website for a complete list of services.