Poor wheel alignment affects gas mileage, tire tread, and safety. Faulty alignment indicates that there’s an issue with the vehicle’s suspension system. A properly aligned system ensures the tire’s angles make solid, even contact with the road. Here are a few tips to help you determine if the car’s wheel alignment needs to be adjusted.

How to Identify Poor Wheel Alignment

1. Uneven Tread

Tread refers to the rubber portion of a tire that makes contact with the road and provides traction; it can wear from improper inflation and poor alignment. To determine tread depth, place an upside down penny in a tire’s groove. If the tread is above Lincoln’s head, you have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining, which means the tire needs to be replaced. Tread wear can occur unevenly and on one or all tires. Each tire needs to be checked carefully and in multiple places to ensure the car is driving with an even tread.

2. Pulling to One Side

You may need a wheel alignment if your car pulls to one side while driving down a flat, straight road. To test alignment, check to see that the steering wheel emblem remains perfectly centered. If you notice it tilting slightly to the left or right, the alignment likely needs to be fixed. Poor alignment will continue to add stress to the tires, which will eventually expose the tire’s wiring and cause it to pop.

3. Vibrating Steering Wheel

Misaligned wheels won’t drive straight, and they may try to drive in opposite directions. As a result, drivers may feel a vibration in the steering wheel as the tires fight each other. This conflicting strain will wear the tires quickly and damage the suspension.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, contact the skilled team at Tire Warehouse Kauai in Lihue, HI. Since 1974, these professionals have provided drivers with affordable wheel alignments and automobile services as well as quality tires from the industry’s leading brands, like Goodyear® and Michelin®. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 245-6754 to schedule an appointment.