Have you ever noticed that your car is pulling one way or another, even though you’re not changing directions? Or perhaps the steering wheel is shaking, and you can’t seem to keep the car going straight? This could be a sign of problems with the alignment of your wheels and tires.
The alignment of your wheels plays a significant role in the wear of your tires and the performance of your car. If your tires need to be aligned, there are two options: you can take your car to a professional or learn how to do it yourself. Either way, it’s best to know what causes it so you can prevent it from happening. Here are the most common causes of wheel and tire alignment problems:
1. Low Tire Pressure
When you have low tire pressure, your car will not be able to handle turns on a level surface as well as it should. The first thing you should do is check the pressure of each tire. If you find that your tires are low, fill them up and then take the car for a test drive. If the steering wheel shakes more than it did before you filled the tires, you may need to bring in your car for some adjustments.
2. Poor Tire Condition
If you have noticed that your tires are starting to look pretty bald, you may have issues with your wheels, too. Tire alignment is highly dependent upon tire tread and sidewall. If your tires are wearing out, they will not be able to handle turns as well as they should. You might notice your car pulling left or right or shimmying when you’re driving. If you’ve noticed your tire tread is getting pretty thin, it’s time to replace them with a new set.
If your tires are not turning as smoothly as they should, the alignment may be off. The bald spots on your tires may also cause the steering wheel to shake during turns.
3. Worn Wheel Parts
If your wheel bearings are worn out, your wheels may not be straight. The bearings are designed to be wide enough to handle the weight of the car and any cargo. Wheel bearings also keep the wheels from falling out of the hub. If your wheel bearings are worn, your wheels may be loose and unable to handle turns, leading to alignment problems.
4. Heavy Impact
Accidents or any sudden impact could cause the alignment of the car may be off. The impact may cause one wheel to be pushed out of alignment. This is because the impact may have shifted or damaged your wheels or tires. You may notice that the car drifts to one side or the steering wheel shakes during turns.
If you hit a large pothole, you may have wheel alignment issues too, which may not be immediately noticeable but will eventually show up over time.
5. Long Overdue Re-Alignment
It is crucial to always re-check your wheel alignment to keep it in place. The wheels, such as those made of steel, do not have the flexibility or elasticity of rubber. If the car has been driven for a long time with the wheels out of alignment, there is a good chance that the tires will have been damaged or worn out from excessive stress. This can eventually cause the tires to wear out unevenly, and the car may also develop a pull in one direction.
If the wheels have not been aligned recently, there is a good chance that the wheels have been knocked out of place and need to be realigned.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many possible causes of wheel and tire alignment problems. It is paramount that you take care of your tires and wheels to ensure your safety and ensure that your tires last as long as possible.
When it comes to car maintenance, your tires and wheels should be given as much attention as the other parts of your vehicle. Limitless Tires is here to help make auto repair and maintenance hassle-free for you. From basic auto repair to ECU tuning and wheel alignment services, our team can make your car run like it’s almost brand new again. Contact us today to learn more about our services.