If you’ve ever noticed your vehicle pulling to one side, your steering wheel not sitting straight, or uneven wear on your tires, you’ve likely experienced what it’s like to have misaligned wheels. Wheel alignment is one of those often overlooked maintenance tasks that can have a big impact on your vehicle’s handling, safety, efficiency, and the lifespan of your tires.
So how often should you get your wheels aligned? In this article, we’ll answer that question and more regarding one of the most crucial services for your vehicle!
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your car’s suspension system to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring each wheel is aligned perfectly straight with the road. These suspension angles include camber, toe, and caster. When wheels are properly aligned, your car drives straight, the steering wheel stays centered, and your tires wear evenly.
Misalignment happens over time due to normal driving, but it can be accelerated by hitting potholes, curbs, or even regular driving on rough roads. It’s also important to have your wheels aligned after any sort of impact, as even small impacts can throw your vehicle completely out of alignment.
How Often Do I Need My Wheels Aligned?
While the exact interval between alignments depends on a variety of factors, including vehicle, driving habits, road surface, etc, most auto repair professionals recommend checking your wheel alignment every 6,000 to 10,000 miles. This roughly lines up with every other oil change, which is a good milestone to use as a reference for when it may be time. Some manufacturers suggest even more frequent checks if you drive under harsh conditions or have a performance vehicle with a more complex suspension setup.
If you’re unsure about your alignment history, it’s a good idea to ask your mechanic to inspect your alignment the next time you’re in for regular service. Catching it early can help avoid costly tire replacements, unnecessary suspension wear, and improve fuel efficiency.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Wheel Alignment
While mileage is a helpful guide, your vehicle will often give you warning signs when alignment is off. Keep an eye out for these common indicators:
- Your car pulls to the left or right while driving straight
- The steering wheel isn’t centered even when the wheels are straight
- Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges
- Vibrations in the steering wheel at higher speeds
- Squealing tires during turns
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an alignment check right away. Waiting too long can damage your tires and suspension while also costing you more at the pump.
Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignments
Keeping your wheels properly aligned provides several long-term benefits, including:
Improved Tire Life
Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear, which means you’ll have to replace your tires sooner than necessary.
Better Fuel Efficiency
When your wheels are properly aligned, there’s less rolling resistance that the vehicle must fight against. That means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard, which can improve your fuel economy.
Safer Handling
Proper alignment ensures that your vehicle handles predictably and safely, especially in emergency situations or during bad weather.
Smoother Ride
You’ll enjoy a more comfortable ride when your vehicle isn’t fighting against its own wheels. If your wheels are misaligned, you may notice the vehicle struggling through turns.
Alignment Services in Spicewood, Texas
While it’s easy to forget about wheel alignment, staying on top of this simple service can save you money and keep your car performing at its best. A good rule of thumb is to have your alignment checked every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or whenever you notice signs of uneven handling or tire wear.
At Vineyard Bay Automotive in Spicewood, Texas, we offer professional wheel alignment services using precision equipment that ensures your vehicle meets factory specifications. Whether you drive a compact car, a heavy-duty truck, or anything in between, our certified technicians are here to help you stay safe on the road. Give us a call or schedule with the experienced team at Vineyard Bay today and keep your vehicle driving safe and comfortable!