Why Wheel Alignment Matters and How to Tell if Your Vehicle Needs One

Though driving styles and vehicle preferences differ from person to person, we all have one thing in common: nobody likes a bumpy ride! There are several reasons why your car may not be driving as smoothly as it should be, but poor alignment may be to blame if your tires and brakes are in relatively good condition. 

Over time, potholes, curbs, and other road hazards may throw your vehicle’s suspension system and wheel angles out of alignment, while wear and tear on components like springs and bushings is another contributing factor. This article explains why alignment matters to your vehicle’s longevity and performance and helps you determine if your vehicle needs this routine and affordable service. 

Why Proper Wheel Alignment is Important

Safety is priority #1 any time you hit the road. Proper alignment is critical to your vehicle’s handling, which can mean the difference between getting an accident and narrowly missing an unexpected hazard. 

Aside from safety and performance, costs are another concern for vehicle owners. When your vehicle’s wheels are out of alignment, tires wear out much faster, and fuel efficiency suffers. Though you may not be faced with immediate costs, unaligned wheels will hurt your wallet over time. When you visit one of the 45 convenient Dobbs locations for an alignment, consider it an investment that will pay off down the road (pun intended!).

Does Your Vehicle Need a Wheel Alignment?

Conventional guidelines say you should get your wheels aligned approximately every 10,000 miles. While an annual alignment is undoubtedly a good maintenance protocol to follow, the reality is that most drivers wait until they notice the symptoms of unaligned wheels before visiting the shop.

Here are five signs that your vehicle may be due for an alignment:

Pulling to One Side

If your vehicle drifts to the left or right when driving on a flat road, you’re experiencing one of the tell-tale signs of misaligned wheels. Even if this “pulling” effect isn’t too drastic currently, it’s important to remedy the situation before it worsens and puts your safety at risk. 

Vibration While Driving

Experiencing vibrations while driving, particularly in the steering wheel, can indicate that your wheels are out of alignment. This sensation results from your tires pulling in different directions, causing a shaky, unstable driving experience. If you feel that the vibration sounds are becoming more noticeable, it’s time to schedule an appointment before you experience significant (aka expensive) suspension and steering issues.

Steering Problems

Unless you’re driving a classic car that doesn’t have power steering as a standard feature, your vehicle should respond quickly and easily each time you turn the wheel. If you feel like you’re fighting with a tight steering wheel or experiencing the opposite – a “looseness” effect – it may be time for an alignment.

Uneven Tire Wear

Quality tires are an investment in your vehicle’s safety and performance. One key to protecting that investment is ensuring they wear evenly throughout their lifespan. While an alignment is the most likely solution to uneven wear, it could indicate more serious problems that an expert and certified Dobbs technician can help identify.

Increased Fuel Consumption

There’s not much you can do about high gas prices, but there are several ways to optimize your vehicle’s MPGs. Misaligned tires increase road resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder and use more fuel to maintain power. 

Schedule an Alignment at a Dobbs Tire & Auto Location Near You

At Dobbs, we do more than just tires. Our mission is to keep your entire vehicle performing at its best for as long as possible. 

Whether you need diagnostic help, a wheel alignment, other forms of routine maintenance, or a tire upgrade, an expert and certified Dobbs technician will provide the highest standard of service for you and your vehicle support. Find your most convenient location and schedule your appointment online today.