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Many drivers unwittingly knock their wheels out of alignment after hitting a pothole, driving too fast over a speed bump, or having a fender bender, among other reasons. If you plan to bring your car to the mechanic for tire rotation, replacement, or repair, check whether you need a wheel alignment as well. This auto maintenance procedure ensures that all your wheels point in the right direction, improving their performance. Here's a closer look at why wheel alignment is important.

Why You Should Schedule Regular Wheel Alignments

1. Improved Handling

When your wheels are misaligned, the top of each wheel might lean inward or away from the car, which prevents the car from driving in a straight line. As a result, your vehicle will slowly pull to one side of the road while driving, making it more challenging to navigate sharp curves and winding roads. You might notice the problem if your steering wheel isn't centered while driving in a straight path. 

If you have to constantly adjust the steering wheel to stay in your lane, your vehicle is probably not safe enough to drive. Instead of risking an accident, opt for a timely wheel alignment and tire rotation.

2. Better Fuel Efficiency

tire rotation

Instead of rolling along freely, misaligned tires wobble and drag, increasing their roll resistance. More roll resistance means they require more energy or fuel to move. If you notice more frequent visits to the gas station than usual, have your wheels checked and adjusted to improve their efficiency.     

3. Longer-Lasting Tires

Check for unevenly worn-out tires by looking at the tread wear patterns to gauge how your tires come in contact with the road. If the patterns thin out towards the edges or inwards to the middle, it means they’re rolling in the wrong direction. Scheduling alignments and tire rotations ensure more even wear and longer-lasting tires.

4. Fewer Auto Repairs

Misalignment usually goes unnoticed, so by the time it’s fixed, it may have caused other problems as well. Steering, brakes, transmission, and drivetrain work in unison with the wheels to keep them stable. Since misaligned wheels cause your car to pull to one side while driving, these supporting components need to work harder to keep you from veering off the road, accelerating their wear and tear. Repairs can be costly, so save yourself the trouble with routine alignment checks.  

 

For the best results on wheel alignment, turn to the car repair professionals at Anderson Automotive Repair in Cincinnati, OH. Since 1986, their ASE-certified technicians have provided a range of automotive services, such as tire rotations, brake inspections, and engine replacements, across the tri-state area. Call (513) 231-2444 for free check engine light diagnostics, or visit them online

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