Proper wheel alignment is essential to your driving experience. Without balanced alignment, your ride will feel rough and bumpy—especially on irregular terrain. Over time, you might also notice that these conditions lead to tire problems and poor fuel economy. To help you steer clear of these common problems, here are three signs that you should bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop for realignment.

3 Signs of Bad Alignment

1. Pulling to the Side

If you’re driving a perfectly-aligned vehicle, the steering should match the direction of the tires. However, if you find that your car pulls to one side when you’re not steering in a specific direction, the wheel alignment is bad.

Another way to catch this response is to assess your steering wheel behavior when you drive. In cases of bad alignment, the steering wheel will turn to one side even when you’re on a flat, straight road.

2. Uneven Tread Wear

When wheel alignment is off, the tires may tilt inward or outward. Even if the tilt is slight, this positioning will cause the tires to wear unevenly. If your front or back tires do not have similar tread wear, the alignment is likely to blame—especially if the wear is on the outer or inner edge of the tire. You might also notice that your tires squeal when you break due to a lack of traction.

3. Steering Wheel Vibration  

Your vehicle and steering wheel shouldn’t vibrate unless you’re driving on rough terrain. So, if you find that your steering wheel is vibrating when you’re driving on relatively smooth roads, the alignment may be to blame. This response occurs because the tires are pulling in different directions rather than moving in a synchronized fashion.

Steering wheel vibration can also be a sign of other vehicle problems—such as unbalanced tires—so it’s best to consult a mechanic to determine the sensation’s underlying cause.

Providing comprehensive auto repair services in Warren County, Warrenton Tire & Muffler has the resources you need to address bad wheel alignment. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, this Warrenton, MO, auto shop will pinpoint the exact nature of your vehicle’s alignment and correct the positioning until it’s even. They’re also equipped to replace worn tires with used and new products that feature long-lasting tread. To learn more about these services, visit this local mechanic online or call (636) 456-4355.