Alignment is a really complex topic covering a variety of terms and a lot of suspension parts and systems. If your wheels are out of alignment, your tires aren’t pointing in the right direction. This will affect your steering and suspension, but more importantly, it could affect your safety and the durability of your tires and all the parts controlling them.

Alignment problems are not uncommon and do not take a great deal of mechanical knowledge to confirm. It is important that you take your vehicle to a professional alignment shop to properly repair any issues. Professional mechanics use the right tools and equipment to put your vehicle back to the preferred alignment settings.

If wheels are left out of alignment, several things can begin to occur. When your wheels are out of alignment, it takes a heavy toll on your tires. You will begin to notice bald spots along the outside edges of one or more tires. This means that your car has to work that much harder to move forward and more fuel is burned than normal. Once a tire has started to wear unevenly, it isn’t safe to use even if the tires are rotated. They will have to be replaced to prevent a blowout or loss of air pressure.

An alignment will ensure that your car drives straight and handles properly, making your ride safer. You’ll also get better gas mileage because your tires will be properly aligned with the road, decreasing resistance.

Wheel Alignment should not be confused with Wheel Balancing. The two really have nothing to do with each other except for the fact that they affect ride and handling. If a wheel is out of balance, it will cause a vibration at highway speeds that can be felt in the steering wheel and/or the seat. If the alignment is out, it can cause excessive tire wear and steering or tracking problems.

Alignment adjustment is a necessary vehicle service. Periodically inspect your tires for signs of uneven wear. You should request an alignment adjustment every time you replace your tires. Check our recommended service schedule for more information. If you are uncertain of the last time your alignment was checked, call Village Repair today.