What Can Happen When You Ignore Your Wheel Alignment?

Most of the time, we don’t put “wheel alignment” at the very top of our automotive needs. Many of us consider the basics to include: regular tune-ups, oil changes, fluid checks, and battery and bulb replacement. However, this can leave out one of the most important parts of vehicular safety—the tires.

Consequences of Ignoring Wheel Alignment

You should check your wheel alignment every time you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance. Our experienced automotive repair experts can identify issues and stop them from becoming costly fixes. Neglecting this checkpoint can lead to dangerous problems.

Waiting to worry about your tires until one is blown out at the side of the road can lead to costly repairs, tow services, and even dangerous accidents. Wheel Alignment is integral to automotive health and should not be ignored! Tire rotation can help to minimize wear and tear, but it doesn’t make up for wheels that aren’t angled according to factory specifications.

Consequences of Waiting too Long

You should have your wheel alignment checked every time you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance. Our experienced automotive repair experts can identify issues and stop them from becoming costly fixes. Neglecting this checkpoint can lead to dangerous problems, including:

• Steering Problems: When wheels become out of line, they aren’t facing in the directions necessary for optimal handling. This means that you may be trying to steer straight, and the vehicle is veering in a completely different direction. The more misaligned the wheels get, the less reliable your steering will become. This can be a dangerous issue for those who are trying to drive on cramped city streets or in inclement weather. Ice, rain, and snow can make this problem even more dangerous, leading to car accidents that could’ve been avoided with a simple tune-up.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Take a good look at the tread on your tires. In a properly aligned vehicle, all the tires will have even wear in consistent spots. Your tires must be replaced regularly, but good alignment can keep them safe for a longer time. When tires are forced to experience wear on the edges or at their weakest points, they can shred and cause severe damage to the parts of the wheel and axel. This is more than just a slow leak, this is a sudden failure that can happen at high speeds leading to potentially serious accidents. Tire rotation can help, but good wheel alignment can save you time and money.
• Poor Fuel Economy: The harder your vehicle has to work to stay on the road and maintain a consistent speed, the more fuel you’re wasting, and paying for! Proper wheel alignment carries over into fuel economy and overall performance.
• Suspension Damage: Prolonged misalignment puts undue stress on suspension components, leading to premature wear and potential failure. This compromises ride comfort and increases the risk of costly auto repairs.
• Decreased Stability and Control: Misaligned wheels diminish vehicle stability and control, especially during sudden maneuvers or emergency braking. This compromises driver confidence and increases the likelihood of accidents.

Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignment

• Extended Tire Life: Proper alignment ensures even tire wear, prolonging the lifespan of tires and maximizing their performance. This reduces the frequency of tire replacements, saving both time and money.
• Enhanced Safety: Correct alignment improves vehicle handling and stability, reducing the risk of accidents, particularly during adverse driving conditions or emergencies.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency: Optimal alignment minimizes rolling resistance, allowing the vehicle to operate more efficiently and consume less fuel. This translates to savings at the pump and reduces environmental impact.

Who Needs Wheel Alignments

• Routine Maintenance: Every vehicle, regardless of make or model, requires regular wheel alignments as part of routine maintenance. This ensures optimal performance, safety, and longevity.
• New Tire Installation: Alignments are essential when installing new tires to maximize lifespan and ensure proper vehicle dynamics.
• After Suspension Repairs: Wheel alignments are necessary to restore proper geometry and prevent premature wear following suspension repairs or component replacements.

What is Entailed in a Wheel Alignment

• A comprehensive assessment of tire condition, suspension components, and steering system to identify any underlying issues.
• Utilizing specialized equipment, technicians adjust the angles of the wheels according to manufacturer specifications to ensure proper alignment.
• After adjustments, a test drive is conducted to verify stability and steering response.

The longer you wait to address small issues, the more they can end up costing you in the long-run. If you require auto or wheel alignment repair services in Vancouver and surrounding areas, you can reach out to one of our 18 convenient locations today.

At Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres, we want you to get the most out of your vehicle. That’s why we employ the best automotive professionals and pass that quality on to you. Contact us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment.