Two Tips To Help You Determine If The Wheels On Your Car Need To Be Aligned
by Brent Porter
Keeping the wheels on your vehicle in proper alignment is important for many different reasons. When your wheels are out of alignment, you run the risk of prematurely wearing down the tread on your tires, which could lead to a dangerous blowout. There are varying degrees of wheel alignment, and unless your tires are grossly misaligned, it could be difficult for you to tell whether or not you have a problem. Use this information to learn more about how to determine if your wheels need to be aligned as soon as possible.
Your Car Burns Through Fuel More Quickly
One of the first indications that your wheels are out of alignment is that your vehicle burns through gas much more quickly than it used to. Unless, the price of gas has changed, you should typically be able to predict about how long a tank of gas will last based upon your driving patterns. If you find that this changes in a relatively short period of time, it may be time to have the alignment on your wheels checked.
The reason why a car with bad alignment burns through gas more quickly is because it takes more energy for your vehicle to run. Your car was designed to have the wheels pointing in a direction that maximizes drivability. When this changes due to bad alignment, your car has to put in more work in order to move at the speeds you demand.
Your Steering Wheel Will Not Remain Straight
Another way for you to determine whether or not your wheels are in good alignment is to check the position of your steering wheel. When you are on a straight stretch of road or highway, gently release the wheel for a few seconds and see if the car remains headed in a straight line. If the wheel turns to one way or another, your alignment may be off.
Keep in mind that you only want to perform this quick test when you are not near other cars. This is vital for safety reasons, since your car could have a big alignment issue and you may not be aware of how sharply the vehicle will veer once you release the wheel.
Maintaining proper wheel alignment is the key to protecting your tires for the long haul. If you notice any of these symptoms, have your alignment looked at by a automotive professional, like D Wells Automotive Service, right away.
Share
About Me
Like many people, I can't afford to buy a new car every few years. This means that I must keep my older vehicle in top condition. Thanks to the fact that I take my car to a great shop, I do get all the benefits that come with knowing I have reliable transportation. Car maintenance covers a lot of ground. Some things I can do at home, like checking fluid levels. Other repairs and maintenance, like radiator repair or front end alignments, require professional attention. Over time, I've developed a maintenance routine that has saved a lot of money and ensures my car will easily last for several more years. If you need to keep your older car running, let me help. I'll show you how to set up a workable maintenance schedule. In the long run, you'll save a lot of time, money, and frustration.
Tags
Latest Posts
-
Two Tips To Help You Keep Your Car's Engine In Good Shape 3 January 2016
-
Remote Starters: Not Just For Comfort 15 December 2015
-
4 Things You Should Know About Your Roadside Assistance Coverage 25 November 2015