Your Top Five Questions Answered About Wheel Alignment

Your Wheel Alignment Questions

Five Common Questions About Wheel Alignment

Maintaining proper wheel alignment is one of the easiest ways to prolong the life of your tires and promote top-notch handling. But just like an occasional trip to the chiropractor for an adjustment, it’s necessary to visit your trusted alignment shop for a vehicle alignment. At A&J Automotive, we receive a lot of questions on this topic, so our certified technicians took the time to answer your top-five questions.

Q: What is Wheel Alignment?

A: Wheel alignment, also known as front-end alignment or tire alignment, is an adjustment to ensure your vehicle is driving straight down the road.

Q: What Are the Benefits of Proper Wheel Alignment?

A: Having a properly aligned vehicle is easy to avoid unnecessary, costly repairs. The aligned tires will wear more evenly and last longer, meaning you won’t have to buy tires as frequently. Handling and safety will also improve. Simply put, you will save money, time, and headaches down the road with a wheel alignment.

Q: What Causes Misalignment?

A: The most common way a vehicle goes out of alignment is an impact. That could be hitting a pothole, curb, or minor accident. Normal wear and tear can also contribute to misalignment as steering and suspension components start to age. Road surfaces are a key contributing factor to this wear and tear as well as driving style. Pay attention while driving and implement a routine maintenance program to help extend the life of your vehicle.

Q: Signs My Tires Are Misaligned?

A: If your car pulls to one side, a wheel alignment may be needed. When looking at the steering wheel, it should sit straight. If it’s crooked and you’re driving straight, that’s a sign your wheels are out of alignment. Be sure to factor in that road crown and grooved pavement can also pull your car to one side.

Tires are the biggest indicator of misalignment. Look for things like uneven tread, bald spots, or edgewear. Uneven tire wear can quickly lead to loss of traction on the wet streets of Raleigh, North Carolina, causing an accident. An untimely tire failure or blowout is also possible, so be sure to visit your local auto repair shop at the first sign of excessive tire wear.

Q: How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?

A: The certified technicians at A&J Automotive recommend having your wheel alignment checked every six months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. You should also get a vehicle alignment when you get your tires rotated or replaced.

Time To Straighten Things Out

When you feel your vehicle pulling to one side, or notice uneven tire wear, visit the ASE-Certified technicians at A&J Automotive for an expert wheel alignment. Since 1996 we’ve been helping drivers in the Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding Triad area with their alignment problems, no matter the make or model. We’ll have you driving straight out of here in no time.