Why You Shouldn’t Skip Four-Wheel Alignment in Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule

A four-wheel alignment being performed.

Ensuring your car operates smoothly involves more than just regular oil changes and brake checks. An integral yet often ignored element of car care is the four-wheel alignment. This maintenance isnā€™t just about keeping your car driving straight; it’s about safeguarding your driving experience, extending the life of your tires, and ensuring your vehicle operates as efficiently as possible.Ā 

The Significance of Four-Wheel Alignment

Boosts Tire Longevity: Incorrect alignment causes uneven tire wear, forcing you to replace tires sooner than you’d expect. Aligning your wheels correctly promotes uniform tire wear, dramatically extending your tires’ lifespan.Ā 

Increases Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels create unnecessary road resistance, meaning your vehicle must exert more effort and consume more fuel. Proper wheel alignment reduces this resistance, thus enhancing your car’s fuel economy.Ā 

Improves Safety: A misaligned vehicle may drift to one side, complicating steering control. This issue becomes especially perilous in poor weather conditions. Correct alignment, however, improves vehicle handling, contributing to a safer driving experience.Ā 

Reduces Vehicle Component Wear: When your car’s alignment is off, it strains the suspension and steering systems, accelerating wear and tear and possibly leading to expensive repairs. Regular alignment checks can prevent these problems, ensuring your car’s parts last longer.Ā 

When to Check Your Vehicle's Alignment

Experts advise checking your car’s alignment once a year or after incidents that could affect alignment, like hitting a curb or pothole. However, signs of misalignment (such as uneven tire wear, the car pulling to one side, or a crooked steering wheel when driving straight) mean you should get it checked immediately.Ā 

Graphic comparing properly and improperly aligned wheels.

Incorporating four-wheel alignment checks into your vehicle maintenance routine is crucial for tire longevity, fuel efficiency, safety, and minimizing wear on car components. It also guarantees a smoother, more pleasurable drive.Ā Ā 

If you’re experiencing potential alignment issues or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our service advisors. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your vehicle remains in peak condition.Ā 

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