Can You Tell If Your Car Needs an Alignment? Here Are Four Quick Ways to Know! 

Let’s talk about wheel alignments! 

While it might not seem as crucial as your car’s engine or transmission, a proper wheel alignment is key to the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Misalignment can cause premature wear and tear on your tires and suspension components, which can lead to unsafe driving conditions. 

The good news is we are here to help with all your alignment needs! Let’s walk through four quick ways to tell if your car needs a 4-wheel alignment. 

1. Pulling to One Side 

While Beyoncé’s “To the Left” might be a great song, your car pulling to the left (or right) isn’t something you want. A well-aligned car should drive straight when your steering wheel is centered. To test this, drive slowly in a safe, vacant parking lot and briefly release the steering wheel. If your car veers off-course, it’s likely time to schedule an alignment. 

2. Noises and Shaking 

Your car communicates with you through sounds and sensations. If you hear unusual noises or feel vibrations, it’s often an indication something is wrong. Here’s how alignment issues could be causing these problems: 

• Screeching during turns: Misaligned tires aren’t working together properly, which may cause one to drag across the pavement during a turn, producing a screeching sound. 
• Shaking steering wheel: If your steering wheel vibrates, especially at higher speeds, your tires may be misaligned (or out of balance) and pulling in different directions. 

Both of these are red flags and should be checked out quickly to avoid further issues. 

3. Uneven Tire Wear 

Tires should wear evenly if your car is properly aligned. If you notice uneven wear on your tires, it’s time to take a closer look. Here are some key signs to watch for: 

• Camber wear: Excess wear on the inner or outer edges of the tire that is very smooth to the look and touch if you were to rub your hand across the shoulder or edge of the tire. 
• Feathering: Treads that are smooth on one side but sharp on the other, usually caused by poor toe alignment. 
• Heel/toe wear: One side of the tread wears down more quickly, often due to under-inflation, but can also indicate alignment issues. 

Checking your tires regularly can help catch misalignment early. If you notice any of these wear patterns, consider having your wheel alignment checked and/or your tires serviced.

4. Crooked Steering Wheel 

If your steering wheel doesn’t stay centered even when driving straight, that’s another telltale sign of misalignment. This happens when your wheels are not aligned correctly, causing your steering to be off-center. 

For your safety and the longevity of your tires, it’s crucial to address this as soon as possible. 

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment.