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It is a lot easier than you think to get your car tires out of alignment. Just one pothole, one aggressive speed bump or an accidental curb roll is all it takes. And also, ordinary wear and tear can sometimes upset the balance.

Even though it may not seem like a big deal, improper alignment can have expensive results if ignored. If your wheels are out of alignment, it can affect your suspension system and steering, leading to bigger problems such as premature and uneven tire wear. Affecting the performance and safety of your car.

What are the signs that your vehicle’s tires need alignment? What makes wheel alignment so important? The following reasons will help you understand how important it is to keep your car’s wheels aligned and in good working order.

 

Safety first

 

Tires that are improperly aligned can wear unevenly. A vehicle’s tires could suffer premature wear and tear and lose their grip, affecting your safety if the issue is not addressed quickly enough. 

In high-speed driving, wheel misalignment can make steering difficult, increasing the risk of an accident. The driver must keep a hard grip on the steering wheel when the tires are out of alignment, which forces the car to pull to the side. A misaligned vehicle can have adverse effects on how it handles and brakes, compromising its safety.

 

Make your tires last longer

 

A misaligned set of wheels can cause your tires to wear unevenly. As tires wear, their life expectancy decreases, so they must be replaced sooner. An out-of-alignment tire also puts more pressure on your steering and suspension systems, causing them to wear unevenly. As part of your regular routine maintenance, check the alignment as part of your regular maintenance schedule to prevent costly repair services or tire replacements more often.

 

You can save money on gas

 

Misaligned wheels could result in the vehicle consuming more fuel due to tire drag. Having your wheels out of alignment makes your engine work harder to propel your car forward, since they don’t work together optimally. Because the engine has to work overtime, this has a negative impact on fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires can also save you money on gas. Similarly, underinflated or worn out tires require more fuel to move.

 

A smoother ride will make you happier

 

Your car is more difficult to control if your wheels are out of alignment. A car drifting to the right or left means your alignment is likely off when your steering wheel is pointed straight up. It makes for a rougher ride and also diverts your attention from driving when you are constantly adjusting to compensate. You don’t have to work as hard when your wheels are aligned, and your car runs smoother.

 

Can you tell when you are out of alignment?

 

Alignment problems can be fairly easily detected. The most common sign of a problem is pulling. On a smooth, straight road, if you drive and your car shifts right or left without you turning the wheel, you need an alignment check.

When you turn your steering wheel, it should immediately return to the center position. If it returns slowly or feels loose, something may be wrong with the alignment. Shaking of your steering wheel may also signify you need to have your wheels aligned.

Check the tires on your front as well. Does the tread appear uneven? A tire that is bald on one side or wearing down unevenly is an indication that something is out of alignment.

In order to maximize the life of your tires and your car’s performance, regular vehicle maintenance includes wheel alignment. It is recommended that you have your alignment checked by one of your friendly Airport Auto Sales certified technicians regularly.

 

Why visit Airport Auto Sales for Tire Alignment 

 

Here at Airport Auto Sales we have 20 years of experience with selling used cars buy here pay here and auto service & repairs the following locations: Fredericksburg, VA, Richmond, VA, Stafford, VA, Alexandria, VA, Woodbridge, VA, Alexandria, VA, Arlington, Fairfax, VA, Manassas, VA. Our certified technicians will properly evaluate your car and give you honest advice on what your used car’s needs are and a friendly competent service that will make you and your beloved car always running in its peak performance.