WHY IS A VEHICLE ALIGNMENT IMPORTANT?

Why Vehicle Alignment is Important

Vehicle alignment involves adjusting the angles of your wheels to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Proper alignment optimizes driving performance, enhances safety, and prevents excessive wear on tires and suspension components. Misalignment can happen due to everyday driving, hitting potholes, curbs, or general wear and tear.

Key Benefits of Proper Wheel Alignment:

Improved Vehicle Safety: A properly aligned vehicle tracks straight, preventing it from pulling to one side. This reduces the risk of losing control, especially at high speeds or on wet roads. It also ensures that braking is even, minimizing the chances of skidding or uneven stopping.

Increased Tire Lifespan: Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear, meaning you’ll need to replace them sooner. Proper alignment ensures even contact with the road, extending the lifespan of all four tires and helping you avoid costly tire replacements due to excessive wear.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Misalignment forces the tires to work against each other, increasing rolling resistance. This makes the engine work harder to move the vehicle, consuming more fuel. A properly aligned vehicle improves gas mileage, saving you money on fuel.

Smoother, More Comfortable Ride: Misalignment can cause vibrations in the steering wheel, making driving uncomfortable. Proper alignment eliminates pulling to one side, reducing driver fatigue. A smoother ride enhances overall driving pleasure and vehicle handling. 

Prevents Damage to Suspension and Steering Components:  Misalignment places extra stress on the suspension system, leading to premature wear. This can result in expensive repairs on parts like ball joints, tie rods, and shocks. Proper alignment ensures the suspension and steering systems work together correctly, improving responsiveness. 

Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alignment

 Watch for these symptoms as indicators that an alignment check may be necessary:

• Your car pulls to one side while driving on a straight road. 
• The steering wheel is off-center when driving straight.
• There is uneven or rapid tire wear. 
• Steering feels loose or unstable. 
• You experience vibrations in the steering wheel. 

How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?

Most manufacturers suggest annual alignment checks, and you may need to have alignments checked more frequently if you:

• Drive on rough roads.
• Frequently hit potholes or curbs.
• Experience sudden impacts (like minor accidents). 
• Notice uneven tire wear or handling issues.

Final Thoughts:

Regular wheel alignments keep your vehicle running smoothly, prevent expensive repairs, and improve safety. If you notice any signs of misalignment, schedule an alignment service with our professional technicians here at NV Auto, we utilize the best in-ground alignment rack in the industry.