Share:

The wheels are the only parts of the vehicle that come in contact with the road, so have an auto mechanic maintain them regularly. If one or more of the wheels is out of line, the car will handle differently, and the tires will wear quicker. Use this guide to determine when you should have the set realigned.

3 Indications Your Wheels Are Out of Alignment

1. Vibrations

When the wheels are misaligned, they point in slightly different directions and try to move the car in two directions simultaneously. This conflict may cause the steering wheel and other parts of the vehicle to vibrate or shudder, particularly at highway speeds. The vibrations can make steering difficult and dangerous. If you encounter this while driving, slow down to lessen the vibration.

2. Off-Center Steering Wheel

MechanicThe steering wheel should be completely centered when traveling in a straight line. If you must turn it slightly to the left or right to prevent the car from drifting in the other direction, a mechanic likely needs to align the wheels. The more drastic the pull, the more severe the alignment problem.

3. Uneven Tire Wear

The tires should wear evenly across their entire widths and from tire to tire. You may have an alignment issue if there’s unusual wear on one side of the rubber, or if one is wearing quicker than the others. The set will continue to wear unevenly until you have it rotated or realigned. If ignored, this issue will cause the need for premature tire replacement.

 

If you need a mechanic to perform a wheel alignment, turn to Professional Automotive in Anchorage, AK. This team has provided drivers with a wide variety of auto services, like wheel alignments and tire changeovers, for over 25 years. For more information about their services, visit them online or call (907) 562-2471.

tracking