A car’s alignment is one of the most important aspects of its suspension. It is responsible for ensuring the car’s wheels are pointing in the right direction and perpendicular to the ground. A properly aligned car will handle better, be more fuel efficient, and have longer tire life.
If your car’s alignment is off, it can cause the car to pull to one side or the other, making it difficult to drive. It can also cause the tires to wear unevenly, leading to a blowout. If you suspect your car’s alignment is off, it’s important to take it to a mechanic to check it out.
Signs Your Car Is Out of Alignment
There are a few signs that your car is out of alignment. If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic or alignment shop for an inspection.
1. Your Car Pulls to One Side
If your car starts to pull to one side or the other while driving, it’s a sign that it’s out of alignment. This can be especially noticeable when driving on a straight road.
2. Your Steering Wheel Is Off-Center
When you’re driving straight, your steering wheel should be centered. If it’s off to one side, it’s a sign that your car is out of alignment.
3. Your Tires Are Wearing Unevenly
If your tires are wearing unevenly, it’s a sign that your car is out of alignment. Uneven tire wear can be caused by several things, but it’s important to get it checked immediately if it happens.
4. You Feel Vibration in Your Steering Wheel or Seat
If you feel a vibration in your steering wheel or seat, it’s a sign that your car is out of alignment. Many things can cause this, but if you notice it, it’s a good idea to get your car checked out.
5. Your Car Seems to Wander
If your car seems to wander, it’s a sign that it’s out of alignment. This can be especially noticeable on a straight road.
What Causes Bad Alignment in Cars?
If you’ve been wondering why your car has been handling poorly or your tires have worn down too quickly, it might be time to check your alignment. Here are some common reasons why your car might have bad alignment:
1. You Haven’t Had an Alignment in a While
If it’s been a while since your car’s alignment was checked, it’s likely that it’s out of alignment. Even if you haven’t hit any major potholes or curbs, your car’s alignment can slowly drift out of place over time. If you can’t remember the last time you had an alignment, it’s probably time to get one.
2. You’ve Hit a Pothole or Curb
Hitting a pothole or curb can knock your car’s alignment out of place. If you live in an area with many potholes or are not careful when parallel parking, your car’s alignment is more likely to suffer. Even a small impact can cause your car’s alignment to be off, so if you hit a pothole or curb, it’s a good idea to check your alignment.
3. Incorrect Tire Pressure
If your tires are not properly inflated, it can cause your car to become misaligned. Make sure you check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it properly.
4. Unbalanced Wheels
If your wheels are not balanced properly, it can cause your car to vibrate and become misaligned. Be sure to have your wheels balanced regularly to avoid this problem.
Conclusion
A car with bad alignment can cause several problems. It can make the car harder to steer, causing the tires to wear unevenly and even lead to accidents. If you suspect your car has bad alignment, take it to a mechanic to have it checked and repaired.
If you need a mechanic in Hoover, AL to help you fix your car, you can visit us at Hoover Automotive. We handle car issues like bad alignment, oil changes, brake service, and more. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.