If you are wondering how often should you get a wheel alignment, the first thing you should do is look at your tires. Uneven tire wear—usually more on the outside of the tires—is a prime indicator that your car’s wheels are out of alignment. Here are a few other indicators you should look for:
– Your car seems to drift to one side, even when you are driving straight.
– Your steering wheel vibrates.
– You are driving straight, but your steering wheel is not centered.
Even if you don’t notice any of these indicators, you should have your wheel checked if it has been awhile since your last alignment. Check your owner’s manual to see how often your car manufacturer recommends having this service.
Don’t worry if your car is out of alignment; it is a common result of everyday driving. Normal driving causes your car’s suspension to become worn and the springs to be stretched out. Even a small accident such as bumping a curb can disrupt a car’s suspension, making your wheels sit at improper angles. A proper alignment restores these angles to correct their measurements, making sure your wheel sits straight.
The biggest benefit of an alignment is less tire wear. When tires do wear down, they will do so evenly on a properly aligned suspension. Tires are expensive, they can easily reach over $100 per tire; an alignment costs $50-$100, which makes it a cost effective procedure that should be apart of your regular car maintenance. A proper alignment will make sure that your car drives straight and handles properly, which makes driving safer. Another big benefit is better gas mileage because your tire will be properly aligned with the road, decreasing resistance.
If you still have questions about when you should get a tire realignment, or if you need one done, use Seva Call to get in contact with local tire repair shops immediately.
Regular vehicle maintenance is recommended for optimal operation of your vehicle and its safety. It is important that you follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations listed in your owner’s manual. However, as a general rule your wheel alignment and tire check up should be scheduled every 10,000 miles or at least once per year.