Some car owners delay maintenance chores due to cost or time commitment. While motorists may not see any harm in putting off servicing, some tasks can affect the handling of your car. For example, keeping your wheels correctly angled can prevent accidents and extend the longevity of your tires. Comparing the increased risk of a crash with wheel alignment cost should be an obvious choice. Plus, we do our best to keep our services affordable.
Wheel Alignment And Your Tires
Your tires are part of your car’s suspension system. One of the jobs of your suspension is to maximize friction between your wheels and the road. This ensures proper steering, stability, and handling.
A wheel alignment is an adjustment to your suspension system so that the tires angle within the automaker’s specifications. With the correct angle, your tires can properly grip the road for ease of driving.
As you drive, certain incidents will cause your tires to move out of alignment or at different angles:
- Hitting potholes
- Bumping curbs
- Fender benders
- Zooming over speed bumps
Any one of these events may cause your tires to angle inward or outward. Now, less surface of your tires will be in contact with the road. Driving with misaligned wheels will cause uneven tread wear. You may even experience difficulty keeping your car moving in a straight line. With difficulty steering, you may even cause a crash.
Signs Your Car’s Tires Are Out Of Alignment
Often, automobile issues can be hard for the average car owner to diagnose. Today’s vehicles are complex machines. Sometimes, you may think the problem is one part only to discover it’s some other component. That’s why it’s always important to have an ASE-certified mechanic examine your vehicle. If you notice any of these signs, bring your car in for servicing as soon as possible.
1. Vehicle Pulls to One Side
As you drive, you may notice your car slowly drifting out of its lane. Or you may be fighting to keep your vehicle between the lines. Either way, you probably need a wheel alignment.
2. Vibration
Tires excessively angled will fight and pull against each other. This will produce a vibration or shaking sensation in your vehicle.
3. Uneven Tire Wear
When your tires sit at angles out of your automaker’s specifications, part of the tread will wear faster. Any unusual tread patterns, such as smooth tread on only part of the tire, need investigation.
4. Crooked Steering Wheel
When tires are out of alignment, your vehicle will drive crookedly. To compensate, you’ll need to turn the steering wheel slightly askew to move in a straight line.
Negative Effects Of Driving With Misaligned Wheels
Of course, if your vehicle exhibits any of the above signs, you should have your mechanic look at your car. Holding off getting your car serviced because you’re worried about wheel alignment costs could actually do more damage in the long run. Additionally, whenever you purchase new tires, you should always have an alignment done. Driving with tires improperly angled can have several negative effects:
- Uneven tire wear
- Difficulty in steering
- Increased risk of an accident
- Decrease in fuel efficiency
Uneven tread wear increases your risk of a tire blowout. Moreover, you’ll experience difficulty in handling especially in bad weather with decreased traction. Finally, as your tires pull against each other, they’ll drag across the road instead of rolling. Thus, your car engine will need more energy and consume more gas.
FAQs About Wheel Alignments
Any issues with your vehicle should be addressed as soon as possible. Driving when you suspect a problem can lead to more costly repairs. Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about wheel alignments. If you have any others, call us at 336-993-7697.
How Much Does A Wheel Alignment Cost?
Usually, a wheel alignment cost depends on the type of car and the number of tires that need adjusting. Some luxury automobiles require specialized equipment or have engineering designs that take more time. Moreover, some cars have solid rear axles that you can’t adjust. While others require a technician to straighten all 4 wheels.
When you bring your car to us, we’ll tell you the cost upfront before we start working on your car. Plus, we’ll immediately let you know if we see any additional issues that need addressing.
Is A Wheel Alignment Time-Consuming?
Typically, a wheel alignment takes between 30-60 minutes. However, we understand the importance of your time! That’s why we work hard to quickly get you back on the road. Plus, if you’re in a hurry, we recommend you make an appointment by calling us at 336-993-7697.
What’s The Best Way To Find A Reputable Mechanic?
Consumer surveys have repeatedly revealed consumers’ anxiety and distrust of automobile technicians. It’s one of the main reasons many car owners delay servicing and repairs. However, you’ll find a trusted auto repair shop here in Kernersville.
At Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we provide:
- ASE-certified mechanics
- Competitive prices
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Locally owned and operated
- Great customer satisfaction
For over 25 years, we’ve been serving many residents of this growing community. We perform over 30 common repairs on both domestic and foreign vehicles. Our services also include a modern car washing facility. Plus, we offer a loyalty program to help you save money on servicing.
Plus, Kernersville is a convenient and fantastic spot to visit. This town lies in the center of the Piedmont Triad metropolitan area between High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem. It’s easily accessible to many nearby towns including Oak Ridge, Walkertown, and Stokesdale. You’ll find some great attractions in Kernersville like Körner’s Folly and Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat at Clark’s BBQ, a restaurant serving Lexington-style barbeque as well as burgers, chicken, and salads.
Instead of trying to guess your wheel alignment cost, make an appointment with us by calling 336-993-7697. Discover why so many residents trust us with all their car needs.
