Wheel alignment is crucial to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. When your wheels fall out of alignment, your car might start to drift to one side, the steering wheel might not be centered, and your tires might wear out unevenly. Misaligned wheels can also decrease your vehicle's fuel efficiency, which can lead to costly repairs in the future. In this blog, we'll explore what causes wheels to fall out of alignment and what you can do to prevent it.
Causes of Misaligned Wheels
- Hitting Potholes and Curbs: One of the most common reasons for misaligned wheels is hitting potholes or curbs. These impacts can cause the suspension components to bend or break, resulting in a change in wheel alignment. Even minor impacts over time can eventually lead to misaligned wheels.
- Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear can also cause misaligned wheels. Over time, suspension components such as the ball joints, tie rods, and control arms can wear out, causing the wheels to fall out of alignment. This is why regular maintenance is essential to catch and fix any issues before they become serious.
- Car Accidents: A collision or car accident can also cause your wheels to fall out of alignment. Even a minor fender bender can cause enough damage to the suspension components to throw your wheels out of alignment.
- Suspension Modifications: Modifying your vehicle's suspension can also cause misaligned wheels. Lowering or lifting your car can change the suspension geometry and cause misalignment.
Preventing Misaligned Wheels
One of the easiest ways to prevent misaligned wheels is through regular maintenance. Bring your vehicle to a reputable auto repair shop for regular inspections to ensure that the suspension components are in good working order.
Also, when driving, be mindful of the road and avoid potholes and curbs as much as possible. If you can't avoid them, slow down as much as possible to minimize the impact. Plus, driving too aggressively can cause wear and tear on suspension components and lead to misaligned wheels. That is why you should not brake or accelerate too suddenly, and remember to take turns slowly and smoothly.
Wheel alignment service is essential for the proper operation and safety of your vehicle. Misaligned wheels can cause excessive tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and even make driving unsafe. By following the prevention tips outlined above and scheduling regular maintenance with X-tra Mile Auto Care, you can help ensure that your wheels stay in alignment and your vehicle runs smoothly. Please call or visit our auto repair shop for quality wheel alignments!