Five Telltale Signs a Car Needs Professional Wheel Alignment
As a car owner, it’s important to ensure that the vehicle runs smoothly, not just for convenience but also for safety. An essential aspect of car maintenance that often goes unnoticed is wheel alignment. Misaligned wheels can lead to a range of issues, from poor handling to uneven tyre wear, and they can even cause accidents if left unchecked. Not only is it vital to have aligned wheels for safety, it will also save car owners money in the long run, avoiding costly repairs that come along in the aftermath of an accident. Below, we’ve covered five signs that a car needs professional wheel alignment and why it’s crucial to address this issue promptly.
Why Wheel Alignment Matters
Having wheels properly aligned is essential for a number of reasons. When the wheels are aligned, a vehicle’s tyres wear evenly, which extends their lifespan and reduces the need for costly replacements. Properly aligned wheels improve a car’s fuel efficiency, as the tyres will make optimal contact with the road, reducing drag and improving gas mileage. On top of that, wheel alignment contributes to a more comfortable driving experience. A car that drives smoothly, with no pulling or vibrations, is much more enjoyable, smoother drive. It also ensures drivers have better control over their vehicle, which can help avoid accidents and improve road safety.
1. The Car Pulls to One Side
Have you ever noticed when a car pulls to the left or right while driving on a straight road? This is one of the most common signs that a car’s wheel alignment may be off. This happens when the wheels aren’t pointing in the same direction or when the angles of the wheels are uneven. While this may be subtle at first, it can worsen over time, making it harder to keep a car straight on the road. Ignoring this issue makes driving uncomfortable and can put additional strain on the tyres, which could lead to premature wear and tear.
2. Uneven or Rapid Tyre Wear
One of the most noticeable signs of poor wheel alignment is uneven tyre wear. It’s a good idea to regularly check the tread of a car’s tyres. If you notice the tread on one side is significantly more worn than the other, this could indicate that the wheels are not aligned properly. Misalignment causes tyres to make contact with the road at incorrect angles, leading to uneven wear patterns. If left unchecked, this can reduce the lifespan of the tyres, leading to the need for early replacement. To avoid the added expense of buying new tyres prematurely, it’s important to have expert wheel alignment performed as soon as uneven wear is noticed.
3. Steering Wheel is Off Centre
When the steering wheel is crooked or off centre, it’s a clear indication that the wheels are out of alignment. Ideally, when driving straight, the steering wheel should be perfectly centred. If it’s slightly tilted to one side or doesn’t return to the centre position after turning, this can be a sign of misalignment. The steering wheel being out of alignment can make driving more difficult and uncomfortable, as it can affect the responsiveness of a vehicle. This issue could also be linked to an uneven distribution of pressure on the tyres, which can affect the handling and stability of the car. If the steering wheel feels off centre, it’s best to get the alignment checked to ensure the vehicle operates as it should.
4. The Car Vibrates or Shakes While Driving
If the car begins to vibrate or shake, especially at higher speeds, it’s a good idea to check the wheel alignment. While vibrations can be caused by a variety of factors, such as unbalanced tyres or suspension issues, misalignment is a common culprit. When the wheels are out of alignment, the uneven pressure on the tyres can cause them to wear in an imbalanced manner, leading to vibrations in the steering wheel or the seat. These vibrations may be more noticeable on highways or when driving at higher speeds, as the misalignment becomes more pronounced. If you experience any unusual shaking or vibrations, it's crucial to address the issue with wheel alignment to ensure a smoother, more comfortable driving experience.
5. Noisey Tyres
If the tyres are starting to make screeching noises, especially when turning or making sharp manoeuvres, it could be another sign of misaligned wheels. When the wheels are not aligned correctly, tyres are forced to work harder to maintain traction with the road. This extra effort can cause the tyres to slip and skid, leading to a squealing sound. Misaligned wheels can also cause cars to handle poorly in sharp turns. It may feel as if the car is resisting the steering, or it’s not responding as quickly as it should. A quick wheel alignment can fix this issue and help the car handle better during turns, making driving safer and more comfortable.
Ready to Book Professional Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of car maintenance. If you’ve noticed any of the five signs outlined above, it’s a clear sign your car needs professional wheel alignment. Ignoring these issues could lead to more serious problems down the road, including costly tyre replacements and even safety hazards.
At Service MOT Repairs, we offer professional wheel alignment services in Northampton to ensure our customers’ cars run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. If a car is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us today to book an appointment. Our expert technicians will ensure the wheels are properly aligned, keeping your car safe and economical for longer.