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One of the most common tasks in auto repair and maintenance is aligning your tires. Your wheels should point in the same direction, directly ahead of your car, but over time or when they're worked on, they can end up out of place. Tire alignment straightens them out, providing several benefits for you as a driver. However, it can be challenging to determine when this type of maintenance needs to be performed.

Tire Alignment Rule of Thumb

Tires Fort Mitchell, KYMost auto mechanics recommend having this procedure done every two to three years. This will ensure that small changes over time don't cause the wheels to pull against each other. Also, whenever you get new tires, they should be balanced and aligned, since the process of changing them can affect their alignment.

Why Tire Alignment Is So Important

Your tire alignment can be off in three ways: the "toe" of the tire can point in or out, the top of the tire can lean in or out, and the turning axis of the wheel can bend forward or backward.

The first type of alignment problem mostly affects fuel efficiency,  because when the wheels point in different directions, they work against each other and waste engine power. It can also affect steering if they point more to one side than the other, making the car pull in that direction.

The second type of alignment issue causes extra wear on the inner or outer edge of the tires, so you'll need new tires sooner. It will wear down the tread and make one side of your car uneven and less able to gain traction on the road.

The third type affects steering; a properly aligned wheel will try to center itself after a turn, helping you drive straight, while an incorrectly aligned one has to be steered into and out of each turn. This can make the car harder to control and can often result in accidents like fender benders or head-on collisions.


If you need tire alignment, oil changes, or other auto maintenance and repairs, contact Fort Mitchell Garage in Covington, KY. For over 100 years, they've offered Kenton County efficient, effective bodywork and engine maintenance, with certifications from Assured Performance® and recognition from several major auto manufacturers for their quality. They keep accurate records and can help you plan and schedule your tire alignments and rotations. To see a list of services, visit their website, and schedule at (859) 431-3326.

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