If you own a vehicle, regular maintenance is essential for keeping it running smoothly. Part of its upkeep should include wheel alignment. However, not everybody understands the significance of this often overlooked service. Here’s what you should know about it.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is a routine maintenance service that adjusts and corrects the angles of your tires. The angling of tires impacts how they come in contact with the road and wear out with use. Every vehicle has a specific proper alignment that it will eventually lose for several reasons, including hitting curbs, running over potholes, as well as the normal wear and tear of steering and suspension components.

Why It Is Important

Getting regular wheel alignments offers plenty of benefits such as the following:

Improves Vehicle Handling

When your wheels become misaligned, the tires are no longer pointing in the right direction. As such, steering becomes more difficult, vehicle handling deteriorates, which could lead to an accident. Routine wheel alignment prevents this problem.

Increases Fuel Mileage

Wheel misalignment increases your vehicle’s roll resistance, which is the amount of energy needed to propel your tires forward at a consistent speed. An increase in roll resistance means you’ll burn more fuel, costing you more money at the pump. But with timely wheel alignment, your vehicle will cover more miles on less fuel.

Prolongs Tire Life

An out-of-alignment condition will result in premature and uneven tread wear; you’ll need to change tires more frequently. If you notice feathering patterns, camber wear, or heel and toe wear, get a wheel alignment inspection.

How to Tell You Need It

There is no warning light on your dashboard to tell you when it’s time for a wheel alignment, and you can’t see the problem. However, there are symptoms of misalignment that you can be aware of, such as the following:

• Vehicle pulls to one side while driving.

• The steering wheel appears off-center when driving straight.

• Noticeable vibrations are coming from the steering wheel.

• The tire(s) have uneven wear.

Once you notice these issues, take your vehicle to the shop for repairs. Driving with misaligned wheels can compromise your safety and reduce the life of your tires.

 

For top-notch wheel alignments, trust the auto repair professionals at Meckfessel Tire & Auto. Since 1927, they’ve helped countless motorists around the St. Clair County area keep their vehicles in excellent running condition. You can visit either of their two locations in Belleville and Smithton, IL, for service. Call (618) 233-0014 to set an auto service and repair appointment, or visit them online for tips to keep your tires in great condition.