3 Wheel Misalignment Signs Every Driver Needs To Know
As a responsible driver, you always do all you can to keep your car in the best shape possible. Doing so is wise because it goes a long way in ensuring that your automobile offers you many years of service. However, no matter how careful you are on the road, there are times when you accidentally hit potholes on the road. Checking the tires and bumpers for damages is the first thing you probably do whenever this happens.
However, what you might not know is that the wheels can be misaligned as well. That's why it is always prudent to know the signs indicating a wheel alignment problem, as discussed here.
1. When the Steering Wheel Vibrates
As the word suggests, wheel misalignment means that the tires are facing different directions. As a result, they end up pulling in different directions, explaining why the steering wheel ends up vibrating. In the worst-case scenario, the vibration will affect the entire car, an experience that can make your passengers very uncomfortable. The fact that the wheels are pulling against themselves puts you at risk, and it is prudent to have a wheel alignment professional fix the problem.
2. When the Tires Wear Irregularly
Checking your tires regularly is always good practice. Ensuring that they are properly inflated and free of cracks helps avoid flat tires. What's more, you need to keep an eye on tire threads as they can help you know whenever there is a wheel alignment issue. If the tread depth of the same axle is different, you need to have the car examined for wheel misalignment.
3. When the Car Pulls in One Direction
When your tires are correctly aligned, your car should head in one direction when on a flat road. On the other hand, a misalignment will make your automobile pull in one direction. As a result, you will have to keep adjusting the steering towards the center to prevent the car from veering off the road. This means that if you have to hold the steering wheel in an awkward position, the wheels are misaligned.
Now that you know a wheel misalignment problem can compromise car control, you can see why this is an issue that you shouldn't overlook. If your car pulls in one direction and its tires have uneven wear, wheel misalignment should be the first thing that crosses your mind. Vibrations coming from the steering wheel also indicate a misalignment problem. Ensure you visit a car repair shop immediately for wheel alignment.