Imagine you’re driving along, you hit a speed bump, and something suddenly feels off with your suspension. Your car might not be showing any signs of trouble, but you suspect something’s going on with your car’s suspension system.
What starts as a minor car suspension problem might be a problem with your vehicle’s wheel alignment. This usually happens over time when your suspension starts showing signs of wear and tear, and can be addressed with a wheel alignment fix. The signs are not always obvious, so it’s important you learn about wheel alignment specifications and how to check wheel alignment.
These hidden car issues that vehicles face can be taken care of during routine car maintenance schedules. However, it’s best not to delay a wheel alignment fix till your next vehicle service schedule, as it could hamper your vehicle’s on-road safety.
In this article, we discuss the top warning signs of improper wheel alignment.
1. Your Car Pulls to One Side While Driving
It isn’t hard to spot the difference between a smooth driving experience and one that requires you to constantly adjust your course to keep your vehicle going straight. Unless the road is sloped, a vehicle with proper wheel alignment should go straight without you having to be in a constant battle with the steering wheel.
This can be pretty frustrating, and if this continues for a prolonged period, it could hamper your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. It can also cause severe wear and tear on your tyres, decreasing their lifespan. While you can use tyre maintenance tips to address this, it’s also important to learn how to check wheel alignment and rule out misalignment issues.
Thankfully, a professional wheel alignment service at your local garage can rectify these issues quickly. Experienced technicians can fix your wheel alignment, adjusting it to the correct wheel alignment specifications, giving you back control of your vehicle.
2. Uneven or Rapid Tyre Wear
If you followed your hunch about your car’s suspension problems only to find your tyres wearing unevenly, then you may need a wheel alignment fix. This is because rapid wear and tear on your tyres or one side wearing off more than the other are both signs of improper alignment.
This usually shows up as feathering, where one side is smooth and the other side of the tyre is sharp. It could also show up as scalloping patterns around the edges of the tyre tread. Improper toe angles or camber angles can cause this.
While regular tyre replacements can be beneficial in addressing rapid tyre wear, it’s also important to understand how incorrect wheel alignment specifications can decrease tyre life spans.
At InTown Automotive, we understand the importance of regular tyre checks and maintenance to help you have a smoother drive. Our award-winning garage offers free tyre checks and professional wheel alignment services. To learn more, get in touch today.
3. Off-Centre Steering Wheel
Feeling like your steering is off-centre can make handling your vehicle challenging. It’s also a visible sign of wheel misalignment, which also impacts air quality by increasing emissions.
Even though you may be able to drive straight with an off-centre steering wheel, it’s a sign of improper alignment elsewhere in your vehicle. Learning how to check wheel alignment and understanding how a wheel alignment fix works can be helpful in this regard.
During the wheel alignment process, the steering wheel is locked in the correct position. This is particularly important in vehicles with electronic power steering or advanced driver assistance systems that rely on steering angle sensors to function properly.
4. Squealing or Scrubbing Tyres
While cranky sounds are fairly typical when you’re driving fast, it’s best if you pay attention to persistent squealing sounds and noises when you’re driving normally. This is because these sounds are usually an indicator of common car engine problems or even improper wheel alignment.
The friction and dragging of tyres across the road surface while driving is often caused by incorrect camber or toe settings. If you’re experiencing this and see decreased fuel efficiency, you need a wheel alignment fix promptly.
Proper wheel alignment specifications can help address this, as it allows the tyres to make even contact with the driving surface. This curbs any friction that may have arisen due to improper alignment and puts an end to any squealing sounds.
Contact In Town Automotive for a Professional Wheel Alignment Service Today
A wheel alignment fix can make for smoother handling of your vehicle, increase the lifespan of your tyres and improve on-road safety. Now that you know how to check wheel alignment and what signs to look for, does your car need a trip to the garage?
At In Town Automotive, we use top-of-the-line vehicle diagnostic tools to conduct full-service scans, including a free tyre health check and professional wheel alignment services. Our technicians are well-equipped to tackle various car issues to support your vehicle’s health.
To keep your car running safely and efficiently, we recommend sending it in for an all-inclusive health check. We have years of experience in fixing air conditioning, cambelts, exhausts, wheel alignment, and much more.
Consider visiting our services page or contact us to book an appointment today.
bookings@intownautomotive.co.uk