Wondering How Often Should Car Alignment Be Done?
This is a question many drivers find themselves asking their mechanic. The signs of a misaligned car and tires out of balance are so similar it is difficult for the average driver to know the difference. Be sure to ask your mechanic to check the wheel balancing as well as the alignment as these issues are more damaging than one would think. And of course, as with many other issues, some types of damage are irreparable!
So how often should car alignment be done, and what does it mean when your car is out of alignment? Out of alignment simply means that your car’s tires are pointing in a different direction than the steering wheel. And what does it mean when your tires are out of balance? It means that the weight around the tire is unevenly distributed. Have your wheel balancing and alignment checked whenever you start to feel problems. The cost of correcting the alignment or balance is much less than a new set of tires or replacing shocks!
Although wheel balancing and alignment problems can develop as the miles add up, they are more likely to be caused by a specific incident, such as going over speed bumps and potholes too fast, hitting a curb, driving consistently on rough roads, or even a minor fender-bender.
If your tires are out of balance or misaligned, these issues may present themselves as you drive down the road:
- You feel the steering wheel and seat vibrating.
- Your tire tread is wearing faster than usual in an uneven pattern.
- Fewer miles per gallon.
- Your car pulls to one side or other of the road.
- The steering wheel feels loose and is crooked while driving straight.
Are you still wondering how often should car alignment be done? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about wheel balancing and alignment services and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
This is a question many drivers find themselves asking their mechanic. The signs of a misaligned car and tires out of balance are so similar it is difficult for the average driver to know the difference. Be sure to ask your mechanic to check the wheel balancing as well as the alignment as these issues are more damaging than one would think. And of course, as with many other issues, some types of damage are irreparable!
So how often should car alignment be done, and what does it mean when your car is out of alignment? Out of alignment simply means that your car’s tires are pointing in a different direction than the steering wheel. And what does it mean when your tires are out of balance? It means that the weight around the tire is unevenly distributed. Have your wheel balancing and alignment checked whenever you start to feel problems. The cost of correcting the alignment or balance is much less than a new set of tires or replacing shocks!
Although wheel balancing and alignment problems can develop as the miles add up, they are more likely to be caused by a specific incident, such as going over speed bumps and potholes too fast, hitting a curb, driving consistently on rough roads, or even a minor fender-bender.
If your tires are out of balance or misaligned, these issues may present themselves as you drive down the road:
- You feel the steering wheel and seat vibrating.
- Your tire tread is wearing faster than usual in an uneven pattern.
- Fewer miles per gallon.
- Your car pulls to one side or other of the road.
- The steering wheel feels loose and is crooked while driving straight.
Are you still wondering how often should car alignment be done? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about wheel balancing and alignment services and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
