Wheel Alignment: 5 Signs To Schedule Service

Wheel alignment is a routine vehicle maintenance procedure your auto service center generally performs. The main goals are maximizing tire life, road safety, and fuel efficiency. Common warning signs your car needs a wheel alignment include a worn-out suspension and uneven tire wear. Continue reading for details on wheel alignment adjustments and more signs that indicate an alignment service is required.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel Alignment refers to the position of the four wheels in relation to each other, the suspension system, the road, and the steering wheel. Your wheels should be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. If your car’s steering wheel faces straight ahead, so should your front wheels. If you must turn your car’s steering wheel to either the left or right to drive straight ahead, there is a good chance that your wheels are out of alignment. Proper wheel alignment involves three specific settings measured in tiny increments and requires specialized equipment and extensive training to adjust.

• Toe: Wheels can be ‘Toe-in,’ meaning they point slightly inwards, or ‘Toe-out,’ meaning they point slightly outwards. The amount a vehicle points’ toe-in’ or ‘toe-out’ can vary by different makes and models. It is factory-set to provide a solid feeling to the steering. It prevents the need to constantly readjust the steering wheel to move forward in a straight line.
• Camber: Camber indicates the wheel’s angle when looking at it head-on. If the top of the wheel tilts in towards the center, it is called a ‘negative camber.’ When the top of the wheel tilts out away from the center, it is called a ‘positive camber.’ Camber increases the steering stability while also helping the tire grip the road surface.
• Caster: Caster references the angle of the front suspension. When you turn the steering wheel, the pivot point is determined by the caster’s position relative to where the tire touches the ground. A forward or front-pointing angle is called a ‘positive caster,’ a center or straight up-and-down pointing angle is called a ‘neutral caster,’ and a backward or rear-pointing angle is called a ‘negative caster.’

5 Signs Of Wheel Misalignment

Driving with your wheels misaligned is hazardous for your safety, the well-being of your vehicle, and the safety of other motorists. Schedule a diagnostic service after traffic collisions or hitting deep potholes and at the factory-recommended intervals. The following five signs are a few easily identifiable characteristics of wheel misalignment.

1. Car Drift

What is car drift? When you drive, your car should move forward in a straight line unless you are actively turning or changing direction. If you notice that your automobile pulls to one side, even if the steering wheel is straight, you are experiencing car drift. Schedule a wheel alignment service if you continuously adjust the steering wheel to maintain straightforward motion.

2. Uneven Tire Wear

Regularly inspect your tires for excessive or premature tread wear. When the tread shows more wear on just one side of the tire, your wheels are out of alignment. Properly aligned cars have consistently even tire wear and are not worn down more on only one side.

3. Vibrating Steering Wheel

When you hold your car’s steering wheel, do you feel a vibration or shaking sensation? This phenomenon has a few possible causes, but the most frequent reason is misaligned wheels.

4. Squealing Tires

When vehicle tires lose traction, they often make a high-pitched squealing sound. Misaligned wheels may cause squealing tires due to uneven tire wear, over-inflation, or too-low tire tread.

5. Worn-Out Suspension

A worn-out suspension system can also impact the alignment. If you have damaged or worn-out suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, or springs), they can change the camber, throwing off the alignment. Have faulty or worn suspension components repaired or replaced by a certified technician before scheduling a wheel alignment service.

Where Can I Get Wheel Alignment Service?

If you suspect your car needs a wheel alignment, bring it to Fisher’s Auto Service in Kirkland, WA, for an inspection and adjustment. Our qualified service station has the required specialized lift, precise measurement equipment, and highly trained technicians to identify and correct the issues. 

Schedule A Wheel Alignment Service

Call us at (425)441-3626 or visit us online to schedule your alignment service appointment if your vehicle has any of the above warning signs, from uneven tire wear to worn-out suspension