A wheel alignment is a simple car maintenance task that ensures your tires are straight. While this may not seem essential, it can improve your vehicle's performance and help you get the most out of your tires. If you're experiencing any of the following signs, make an appointment with your mechanic for this procedure.

How to Know When You Need Wheel Alignment

1. Uneven Tire Wear

One of the first signs that you need a wheel alignment is uneven tread on the tire rubber. If a visual inspection shows that one tire, or one part of your tires, is significantly more worn than the others, your wheels need to be aligned.

2. Vibrating

A vibrating steering wheel often means your tires are pulling in opposite directions. Sometimes, this occurs after hitting a pothole or driving on particularly uneven, bumpy roads. If you feel shaking as you drive, handle it as soon as possible to prevent other trouble.

3. Vehicle Pulling

If your car is drifting to one side as you drive, your alignment is off. To test this, briefly let go of the steering wheel as you drive on a level, smooth surface. A minor drift may be an issue with the road, but a sharp pull to either side means you need a wheel alignment.

4. Off-Center Steering

When your steering wheel is at an odd angle, your front alignment needs adjusting. While fixing the front will resolve this issue, it's better to have a four-wheel alignment. This will ensure both the front and back are riding in the correct position and there's no pulling to the side. Four-wheel alignment will also improve your fuel economy.

Serving Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and the surrounding areas of Missouri since 1977, H & S Tire & Auto Center is the place to call when you need a wheel alignment. Their “hometown care” approach guarantees personalized service, integrity, and honesty. From brake repair to auto inspections, their licensed mechanics can service any vehicle. Call (636) 327-5225 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for more information about their services.