Wheel alignment is one of the most common types of maintenance on a vehicle. They are so common, in fact, that it is easy to get complacent. You may even consider putting them off until your car needs other work done. However, we do not recommend that approach.
Proper wheel alignment ensures that your vehicle handles well, drives smoothly, and maintains optimal fuel efficiency. On the other hand, poor wheel alignment can lead to a cascade of problems, including uneven tire wear and decreased fuel efficiency.
In the rest of this guide, we will explain the importance of wheel alignment. When you are finished reading, contact Ethan’s Honest Automotive to schedule your next alignment. We are the Cache Valley and Southeastern Idaho’s source for excellent and transparent vehicle service and repair.
How Poor Wheel Alignment Can Affect Tire Wear
One of the main things that poor wheel alignment affects is tire wear. If the wheels are not aligned correctly, your tires will likely wear unevenly, reducing their lifespan and compromising your safety.
Below, we have listed a few of the most common outcomes of poor wheel alignment on tire wear.
- Uneven wear: When the wheels are not properly aligned, they exert unequal pressure on the tires. This unequal pressure causes specific areas of the tire to wear out more rapidly than others. Uneven tire wear follows specific patterns, called toe wear and camber wear.
- Toe wear occurs when the wheels are not parallel to each other. Therefore, the inner and outer edges of the tires end up with excessive wear.
- Camber wear occurs when the angle of the wheels relative to the vertical is not in alignment. Excessive positive or negative camber can lead to uneven wear across the tread surface.
- Reduced lifespan: When tires wear unevenly, or other problems arise from alignment issues, the lifespan of the tire will be compromised. Tires that have premature wear due to misalignment need more frequent replacement, leading to increased costs to you.
- Compromised traction: Uneven wear also creates the problem of compromised traction and handling. Worn tires have reduced grip, especially in wet conditions. Therefore, there is a significant risk that vehicles with alignment problems will skid or lose control.
- Risk of blowouts: One final way that poor alignment affects tire wear is by increasing the chances of a blowout. Excessive wear weakens the tire’s structure, making it more susceptible to sudden failure, especially under high-speed or heavy-load conditions. Depending on when they occur, blowouts can be extremely dangerous and pose serious safety risks to you and your passengers.
How Poor Wheel Alignment Can Affect Fuel Efficiency
Bad wheel alignment does not just affect tire wear; it also decreases your fuel efficiency. There are many reasons for this issue, including the ones listed below.
- Increased rolling resistance: Misaligned wheels do not roll smoothly. Instead, they may drag or scrub against the road surface. Doing so increases the friction between the tires and the road, which increases resistance and reduces your fuel efficiency.
- Reduce aerodynamics: You may also begin noticing problems with your car’s aerodynamics or the way air flows around your vehicle. For example, if the toe angle of the tires is off, they may “fight” against each other, creating turbulence and increasing drag. As a result, the engine must exert more power to maintain speed, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
- Uneven tire wear: As we mentioned above, poorly aligned wheels often lead to tires with uneven wear. When your tire tread is irregularly worn, it can create irregularities in the tire surface and increase the rolling resistance as the car moves down the road. The result of these problems is a car that works harder and requires more fuel than it should.
Signs You Need Your Wheels Aligned
By now, it should be clear that proper wheel alignment is essential for the optimal functioning of your vehicle. However, it can be hard for many car owners to recognize the signs of an alignment problem. If you notice the following, you should bring your car to a trusted mechanic like Ethan’s Honest Automotive as soon as possible.
- Pulling: When a car pulls to one side of the road or the other as you drive, that is a major sign of an alignment problem.
- Crooked steering wheel: Your steering wheel should be straight when you are driving in a straight line. If it is not, then you likely need professional wheel alignment.
- Vibrations: Vibrations in your steering wheel can be caused by many things, one of which is a wheel alignment problem. If you notice a wobbly steering wheel, you should contact your mechanic right away.
- Squealing tires: As tires wear unevenly, they are more likely to rub against the road surface, causing squealing. You will notice this squealing most often when you turn.
- Loose handling: Misaligned wheels can affect the vehicle’s stability and responsiveness, which leads to handling problems. Keep an eye out for your vehicle becoming less responsive to steering inputs, as this is a big sign of wheel misalignment.
- Visible damage: Finally, visible damage on the tires, wheels, or suspension often indicates an alignment issue. It is very common for damage to these areas of your vehicle to be the cause of your alignment issues.
Wheel alignment is one of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance. When your wheels are misaligned, a lot of other problems may occur. Regular alignment checks can help you ensure that your wheels are always aligned properly. However, if you notice any of the above signs of an issue, you should call a mechanic like Ethan’s Honest Automotive immediately.
At Ethan’s Honest Automotive, we are happy to walk you through the wheel alignment process. We can also help you create a maintenance schedule that will work best for your vehicle. Contact us today and experience the difference a trustworthy and honest mechanic can make in the overall health of your vehicle.
