Tires are the only part of your car to touch the ground. They support the weight of the vehicle, deliver acceleration and braking, absorb road bumps, and manage the traveling route. Thus, with so much riding on your tires, it’s important to maintain them. When you need a wheel alignment near me, trust Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Signs Your Wheel Alignment Is Off
Generally, for ease of handling, a certain portion of your vehicle’s tires must grip the road. During assembly, automakers set the wheels at the correct angles for optimal performance.
However, hitting a pothole can damage components throwing your wheels out of alignment. Even striking a curb going only a few miles per hour may shift your tires. Moreover, normal driving can cause wear and tear on suspension parts moving tires out of alignment.
Often, you’ll notice signs you may need a wheel alignment:
- Tires wearing unevenly
- Squealing tires
- Vibrating steering wheel
- Pulling in one direction when driving
- A jarring, bouncy ride
If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your car to an alignment shop as soon as possible. Driving with misaligned wheels puts a tremendous strain on your suspension.
Failing To Adjust Your Wheel Alignment Can Result In Expensive Consequences
Unfortunately, failing to align your tires can lead to big problems. Improperly aligned tires make it harder to control your car and also cause components to wear faster.
Typically, tires that angle instead of sitting straight will pull the vehicle to one side of the road when driving. This makes it harder to control your car and may lead to an accident.
Moreover, as your automobile compensates to stay on the road, you’ll use extra fuel. Thus, you’ll notice a decline in your fuel efficiency.
Plus, misaligned tires will wear unevenly needing replacement sooner. In some instances, the treads of tires that lean even a little bit can become smooth extremely fast. Furthermore, tires with uneven tread wear are more likely to suffer a blowout.
Finally, improperly aligned wheels can place a strain on some of your vehicle’s other components. Driving with a misalignment may potentially damage your car’s axles, springs, or dampers.
Other Tire Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore
While incorrect wheel alignment causes issues, it’s not the only problem tires encounter. Improper tire inflation and unbalanced tires may exhibit very similar signs as wheel misalignment.
Generally, tires naturally lose air due to the structure of the rubber. Also, cold weather will cause a drop in air pressure. Underinflated tires will cost you at the pump, as much as 11 cents per gallon. Moreover, improper tire pressure, overinflated or underinflated, will cause uneven tread wear.
Another common problem with tires is balance. Most car owners will have their tires balanced when they replace them. However, tires may become unbalanced simply from uneven wear or hitting a pothole.
Our experienced auto technicians can look at your vehicle’s tires and determine the right solution to your problem. Using the latest diagnostic equipment, we can check your tire’s pressure, balance, alignment, and even replace them if necessary.
FAQs – Locating A Shop For A Wheel Alignment Near Me
Tire issues may cause many problems related to steering, stopping, and general safety. Yet, many car owners have difficulty sorting through the many auto shops in the area to find one they trust. To help you in your search, we’ve answered a few of our most commonly asked questions.
How Often Should I Check My Tires?
As a car owner, you should be conducting a visual inspection of your tires at least once a month. During this inspection, you should be checking the depth of the tread and looking for uneven wear, cracks, or bulges.
Also, you need to check the tire pressure monthly. Tire pressure gauges are inexpensive and easy to use. Every car owner should have one.
Typically, most experts recommend rotating your tires about every 6 months or 6,000 miles. When you bring your car in for this service, your technician can also check the balance and wheel alignment.
How Much Does A Wheel Alignment Cost?
Like many car maintenance tasks, costs can vary depending on the make and model of the car. For example, some vehicles have a solid rear axle. With this type of design, you can’t align the back wheels. Generally, a front end tire alignment is about half the price of an all-wheel adjustment.
Then too, luxury cars tend to be more expensive. Often, these vehicles require specialized equipment and take more time to align the wheels.
Additionally, auto repair shops may have different labor costs affecting your price. At Xpress Lube, we’ll give you a free price quote before we begin work on your car. You’ll get an exact breakdown of what we’ll do and how much it’ll cost.
Where’s The Best Place To Get My Tires Serviced?
An expression of your personality, your automobile is also an indispensable part of daily life. Most Americans need their car for commuting to work, running errands, or attending social engagements. Yet, for all our dependence on our vehicles, we often neglect important maintenance tasks. Unfortunately, one of the most common servicing jobs car owners ignore is wheel alignment.
When you need a wheel alignment near me, choose Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Our ASE-certified technicians perform necessary servicing at competitive pricing to get you back on the road quickly. Plus, you’ll love our friendly staff who treat you like a family member.
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