25 Feb The Importance Of Annual Wheel Alignment
An annual wheel alignment is a routine maintenance task you should add to your calendar. The stresses of driving on uneven roads, hitting potholes, and parallel parking can easily misalign your wheels. How often have you winced after driving at speed over an unseen pothole or bumped into the curb while parking? All those minor incidences add up and can negatively affect the performance and safety of your car. Scheduling an annual wheel alignment offers many benefits, including improved fuel efficiency, extended tire life, and less stress on suspension parts.
What Is A Wheel Alignment?
A vehicle’s wheels and suspension absorb the bumps and rough road surfaces for a smoother ride. There are precise calculations to ensure your tires line up parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground, creating a comfortable ride. Your vehicle performs better when all the wheels point in the same direction. However, everyday driving can alter the alignment and cause safety and performance issues. A wheel alignment service returns the wheel positioning and suspension components to the factory specifications.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs An Alignment
When your wheels are misaligned, it can create a host of issues. Take care of your vehicle by prioritizing its alignment needs. While many auto manufacturers recommend annual alignments, here are a few signs that indicate your vehicle may need an alignment sooner.
- Your vehicle pulls or swerves to one side.
- The steering wheel is not centered when driving straight.
- You experience an increase in steering effort. Misaligned wheels may not move together, which can make steering more difficult.
- Vibrations felt through the steering wheel stem from uneven tire wear or worn suspension parts.
- There is uneven or excessive tire wear. Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear or bald spots, resulting in the need for premature tire replacement.
- Excess fuel consumption. Misaligned wheels create unnecessary drag and road resistance, increasing fuel usage.
Key Benefits Of Wheel Alignment
Investing in an annual wheel alignment results in many benefits. Key among them are extended tire life, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced handling & safety.
Enhanced Vehicle Handling & Safety
Proper wheel alignment ensures your car drives straight and goes where you want it to go. It also improves your ability to control your vehicle and increases overall safety on the road.
Extended Tire Life
An annual alignment can help prevent excessive tire wear and significantly extend tire life. This service saves you money in the long run and ensures your tires perform optimally, providing better traction and grip on the road.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
When your wheels are correctly aligned, there is less road friction because all your wheels travel in sync. The result is better fuel efficiency, saving you considerable gas money.
Reduced Stress on Suspension Components
When your wheels are misaligned, it adds more stress to the suspension components, such as control arms, ball joints, and tie rods. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and damage, resulting in costly repairs. An annual wheel alignment helps maintain the integrity of these components and prevents unnecessary wear and tear.
Smooth and Comfortable Ride
Properly aligned wheels provide a smoother and more comfortable driving experience. A well-aligned vehicle better handles bumps and road imperfections. It also reduces vibrations and road noise.
Wheel Alignment In Plymouth Meeting, PA
Plymouth Auto & Tire Center provides correct wheel alignment and factory-specified suspension settings that control the quality of your ride. We also supply a printout of your wheel alignment readings before and after the alignment. Let one of our ASE-certified technicians perform a wheel alignment service for you today.
Make An Appointment
Contact us today at (610) 825-6558 or on our website to make your appointment.