Maintaining your car is essential, and one of the most important things you should do is get regular wheel alignments. Wheel alignments help keep your car running smoothly, reduce wear on the tires, and improve your overall driving experience. But how often should a wheel alignment be done?
This article will provide information on how often car alignments should be done, the benefits of getting a wheel alignment, and some signs that it may be time for an alignment. Knowing how often to get a wheel alignment and the signs that an alignment is needed can help keep your car running in peak condition and improve your driving experience.
How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment for Your Vehicle?
Maintaining the proper alignment of your vehicle’s wheels is important for a variety of reasons. Proper wheel alignment helps your car handle better and last longer, provides a smoother ride, and increases fuel efficiency. With so many benefits, it’s essential to know how often you should get a wheel alignment for your vehicle.
The answer to this question depends largely on your driving habits and the type of roads you typically drive on. If you drive mainly on paved roads with minimal bumps and potholes, you can generally get away with a car alignment every 20,000 to 25,000 miles. However, if you drive on rough roads or frequently encounter potholes and other obstacles, you may need to get your wheels aligned more often.
Signs Your Car Needs a Wheel Alignment
In addition to getting a wheel alignment every few thousand miles, it’s also important to pay attention to any changes in the way your car drives. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s likely time for a wheel alignment:
- Your Car Pulls to One Side
- Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear
- Your Steering Wheel Is Crooked When Driving Straight
- The Steering Wheel Vibrates
- Unusual Noises Coming from the Wheels
Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignment
Safety: Proper wheel alignment will ensure that your car drives straight and true, reducing the risk of accidents. Poorly aligned wheels can cause the car to pull to one side, making it difficult to control, and can increase the risk of a skid or rollover.
Fuel Economy: Having your wheels properly aligned can improve the efficiency of your car by reducing friction. This reduces the strain on your engine, which in turn can improve fuel economy by up to 8%.
Tire Life: Unevenly worn tires are a sign that your wheels are out of alignment. Regular wheel alignment will ensure that your tires wear evenly and last longer. This can save you money by reducing the need to replace tires prematurely.
Handling: Improperly aligned wheels can cause the car to wander or pull to one side when driving. This can make it difficult to control the car and can lead to fatigue for the driver. Regular wheel alignment will improve your car’s handling, making it easier to drive.
Regular wheel alignment is one of the most important maintenance tasks for any car. It is a process of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. It is essential for ensuring your car runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Here are some of the key benefits of regular wheel alignment:
Conclusion
Although getting a wheel alignment is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance, it’s not something you should do every time you get an oil change. Generally speaking, it’s best to get a wheel alignment every 20,000 to 25,000 miles or when you notice any of the signs mentioned above. Doing so will help ensure your car is running optimally and provide a smoother driving experience.
If you think your car is due for a wheel alignment, consider going to Hoover Automotive for all your automotive needs. Our skilled technicians are here to help you with all your car alignment and vehicle maintenance needs. Contact us today to get started!