Driving in a straight line should be simple, right? You just don’t turn the steering wheel, and your car continues forward. But what if you notice that your car is pulling to one side, and you have to keep correcting it? That’s a sign your wheels are out of alignment. Misaligned wheels are more than annoying or inconvenient. They can actually lead to serious problems with your car and dangerous driving conditions. Luckily, you have the team at the best auto shop in MA—Ray’s Auto Service—to help you keep your car in good condition.
Are your car’s wheels out of alignment? Our experts at your favorite auto shop in MA can tell you what to look for and what to do about it.
Common Signs of Misaligned Wheels
- Uneven tire wear: Misaligned wheels make contact with the road unevenly, wearing out your tires unevenly. One tire worn more than the others usually means the wheels are out of alignment.
- Difficulty steering: If your wheels are out of alignment, it can be difficult to steer because the car tends to drift in one direction.
- Pulling to one side: Even if you don’t have difficulty steering, you might still feel your car pull to one side, which is one of the most recognizable signs of misaligned wheels.
- Reduced fuel efficiency: If you notice that your car is getting worse gas mileage than usual, it could be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment.
If you notice any of these problems with your car, come to your MA auto shop to have your wheel alignment checked. Not only will it make your car easier to drive, it will also make it safer.
Preventative Measures
Wheels don’t go out of alignment all on their own! Here’s what you can do to ensure your wheels stay properly aligned.
- Regular tire rotations: Rotating your tires according to the recommended schedule will help them wear evenly.
- Avoid potholes: Hitting a pothole can damage your shocks or struts and knock your wheels out of alignment. Try to avoid hitting them and take bumps gently when you can.
- Check your suspension. A worn-out suspension can cause your car to hit bumps harder than it should, knocking the wheels out of alignment.
- Don’t overload your car: Every vehicle has a maximum weight capacity, and overloading can damage your suspension or push the wheels out of alignment.