Can you think of the last time you had your wheels aligned? It usually happens when you purchase new tires, but have you thought of your wheel alignment since then? Proper wheel alignment is more important than you might realize. Here is what our auto repair shop experts think you need to know. How Does a Wheel Lose Alignment? The truth is, it doesn’t take much…pot holes, hitting the curb, bumping into a concrete parking stall, and regular wear and tear. Over time, the alignment will progressively get worse. Even a slight misalignment can cause problems for you and your car. Benefits of Professional Wheel Alignment Here are a few reasons you should get an alignment: Improved Fuel Efficiency When you tires are properly aligned it cuts down on unnecessary friction. Your engine does not have to work as hard to propel your car forward and as a direct result, you save on gas. Tire alignment from an auto repair shop is just one simple way to save money and improve your car’s efficiency. Reduced Tire Wear You guessed it, unnecessary friction impacts more than just gas mileage. Tires will eventually wear out either way, but bad alignment causes uneven wear on your tires. Have you ever noticed the tread wearing off along one edge? The tires can wear down faster than they should and will require replacement sooner than necessary. And tire replacement is expensive! Fortunately, wheel alignment will prolong the life of your tires. Less Wear on Steering Column Wheels that are out of alignment wear more than just tires. In fact, it causes wear on a lot of different car parts. In the most extreme cases, the steering and suspension will take more impact. This puts excess stress on these valuable parts and can cause them to break down. You can avoid these costly repairs by visiting an auto repair shop for routine alignment inspections. Better Handling and Drivability Ever noticed your car pulling hard to the right or left? You shouldn’t have to wrestle with the steering wheel to stay in your lane. When the wheels are aligned, your car should be able to maintain a straight line without you putting any pressure on the steering wheel. How Do I Know if it is Time for an Alignment? Typically, you should follow the tire rotation and alignment schedule outlined in your owner’s manual. However, there are also several things to watch for, including: • Uneven tire tread wear • Active pulling to the left or right • Passive drifting to one side • Crooked steering wheel A lot can happen over the course of 6,000 to 10,000 miles, so another good rule of thumb is to have the alignment checked at every oil change. Not really sure if you need an alignment? You can call or visit our
auto repair shop in Rockville, MD for an inspection and alignment check. Customer services is our number one priority and we are happy to assist with all of your auto repair needs. Call for an appointment today. You can expect to get honest service right away. Or visit our auto repair shop, 5531 Nicholson Ln., Ste. A, Rockville, MD 20852.