Wheel (Alignment) of Fortune

Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Wheel Alignment

Playing along with TV game shows like Wheel of Fortune from the comfort of your easy chair is great fun, but the fun ends when there’s a problem with your vehicle. Poor wheel alignment is no game. In fact, if left unaddressed, it can be a big problem that makes you feel as if you just hit “bankrupt.” Although you’re not likely to need a wheel alignment very often, you should be mindful of the signs and get professional assistance from Mecklenburg Automotive & Collision Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the first sign of trouble.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Wheel Alignment

Even though you should always have a certified technician with professional equipment confirm your need for a wheel alignment, there are signs a driver can recognize that may indicate the car’s suspension system needs attention. For instance, if the auto pulls to one side when you’re trying to drive straight ahead, you very likely need a wheel alignment. If your steering wheel won’t return to center or isn’t straight, this may also point to a problem with alignment. Another red flag is uneven wearing of tires, meaning that your tread is worn in some areas more significantly than it is in others. You may hear squealing coming from the tires, as well. The issues caused by misaligned wheels will not get better until the problem is addressed. Poor alignment can ruin your expensive tires, cause suspension system damage, and perhaps compromise safety.

Solving the Puzzle

If your wheel alignment game has gone awry, you may be turning over letters to answer the questions, “Why?” and “How?” “P” is for pothole. Hitting a deep one or tangling with minor ones too often may mess with the perfect alignment you had when your vehicle was new. “C” is for crash. A car accident can ruin your wheel alignment, as well. “N” is for new. If you’re purchasing a new set of tires and aren’t sure your wheels are properly aligned, you may decide now is a good time to have your suspension system checked. Ensuring that your wheels are aligned can increase your fuel mileage, decrease uneven tread wear (extending the life of your tires), and prevent further damage/repairs. Finally, “M” is for Mecklenburg Automotive & Collision Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, the solution to your wheel alignment puzzle.