UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES OF MISALIGNMENT

Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment

The professionals here at Encinitas Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair understand the frustration of poor wheel alignment, especially when it interferes with experiencing the beauty of California. Therefore, it is essential to understand what can cause misalignment, and when you need to come in to have things adjusted. While some issues can be corrected at home, most problems with alignment should be addressed by a professional.

CAUSES OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS

There are potentially several factors that can contribute to poor alignment. For example, potholes, poorly maintained roads or accidents can cause this problem to occur. Also, this wheel issue can occur naturally after several thousand miles of driving. Therefore, you should try to have your wheels checked every 6,000 miles to reduce any concerns you may have.

SIGNS ALIGNMENT MAY BE OFF

You should be able to feel any misalignment in your vehicle. For example, you may notice that your car is continually pulling to the right or left. Also, when driving straight, you may see that the steering wheel is angled to one side or the other. Other visual clues are the uneven or rapid wear of tires. Tires may even squeal. If you notice any of these signs, then you should try to get your vehicle to the shop right away for a realignment.

MINOR ALIGNMENT ISSUES

While it is recommended that you trust a professional for your alignment needs, there are a few things you can do to try and reconfigure the balance of the car. For example, you can ensure that the appropriate air pressure is maintained in the tires at all times. Also, you can remove any excess weight in your trunk. While that may sound out there, the tire angle is directly related to the chassis height. Last, you can drive conservatively, putting less strain on the steering and suspension.



NECESSITY OF A REALIGNMENT

While proper alignment ensures optimum drivability, it is also necessary for the health of your tires. Did you know that poor alignment can shave thousands of miles off a tire's life? Also, misalignment can be taxing on crucial suspension and steering parts. Therefore, do not wait to fix alignment problems. If you suspect that your wheel alignment is off, then contact Encinitas Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair and schedule an appointment. They even offer early bird drop off or after hours pickup.