The most apparent symptom of a bad wheel alignment is if the vehicle veers to one side, aptly called “pulling” in automotive terminology. Ideally, your car’s steering should remain centered on a straight road. If you take your hands off the wheel and the vehicle gently turns left or right, it’s a sign that your car needs an alignment ASAP.
Ignoring the pulling symptoms will also introduce uneven wear on the tires. Even if the steering wheel is front and center and has no signs of pulling, a lousy alignment could introduce rapid or uneven tire wear. Make it a habit to visually inspect your car’s tires at least once a week or before embarking on a long drive. Catching the early signs of premature tire wear will save you money in the long run.
Meanwhile, it’s time to schedule a wheel alignment if the steering wheel is not in the center position when driving in a straight line. Excessive vibrations from the wheels or steering wheel are also another symptom that your alignment requires attention, whether it’s faint or strong shaking. Lastly, check the wheel alignment if the steering wheel feels overly loose or somewhat inaccurate in its responsiveness.
Experts recommend getting a wheel alignment at every other oil change, preferably once every 6,000 miles. Periodic wheel alignments will keep your vehicle running like new, maximize driving comfort, help conserve fuel, and extend the life of your tires.
