Much like the skeletal system in the human body, when something goes awry with your car’s structural elements, it can throw the entire vehicle out of whack. If your wheels are misaligned, you might notice it’s hard to make tight turns, stay in your lane, or even parallel park. How does this issue develop in the first place? Here are some of the ways car alignment problems can arise.

3 Causes of Car Alignment Issues

1. Sudden Impact

One of the most common culprits of misalignment is a sudden, harsh motion. Whether you run into a pothole at full speed, don’t slow down for a speed bump, or get into an accident, any jarring action can knock your vehicle’s complex components out of balance. If your car starts to drift on the roadway after such an event, or if the steering wheel looks crooked or starts to vibrate, head to a car alignment professional as soon as possible.

2. Gradual Wear & Tear

While a rapid motion can damage your car’s alignment, the slow, gradual deterioration of its parts can produce the same results. Over time, as you brake, turn, and accelerate while driving each day, your suspension system will become loose and stretched out, especially the springs. As this tension releases, your wheels may gradually shift out of alignment. In this case, the best way to tell if something is wrong is to schedule regular inspections at an auto repair center.

3. Changes in Vehicle Height

Although less common, some motorists first encounter car alignment issues when making aesthetic modifications to their vehicles. If you’ve raised your truck to make room for bigger wheels or lowered your car to cruise closer to the ground, you should remember that your vehicle was not manufactured for such alterations. Therefore, you’ll probably have to incorporate a car alignment adjustment on your mechanic’s to-do list.

If your ride has been hard to maneuver recently, or if you suspect any of the causes above, get in touch with the car alignment team at Hudson Tire & Battery of Boone County, AR. They specialize in everything from brake repair to car battery services, so you can find everything you need under one roof. For more information about their services, visit their website. You can also call (870) 741-2740 to set up an appointment, and connect with the team on Facebook.