Is My Vehicle Out of Line?

How to Tell When Your Car Needs an Alignment

Car alignments are essential for the longevity of your vehicle's tires. But how do you know when your car needs an alignment? Symptoms can range from slight to severe, but it is important to pay attention to the signs in order to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the symptoms that will indicate when your car may need an alignment.

Uneven Tire Wear

One of the most common indicators that your car needs a wheel alignment is uneven tire wear. This issue usually occurs when one side of the tires wears faster than the other. If you notice this symptom, it may mean that the camber angle—which is the inward or outward tilt of a tire as viewed from the front—is incorrectly adjusted. It is important to note that uneven tire wear can also be caused by other issues, such as worn suspension or brake components, so make sure to have a professional check out your car if you suspect it needs an alignment.

Pulling or Drifting While Driving

If you feel like your car is pulling or drifting while driving, this could be another indication that it needs an alignment. This symptom can occur for multiple reasons, such as incorrect toe angles, which refer to how far apart each tire points in relation to each other when viewed from above. Other signs associated with improper toe angles are difficulty steering straight and excessive tire noise while driving.

Steering Wheel Vibration

Finally, another common symptom associated with misaligned wheels is steering wheel vibration. This issue usually occurs due to incorrect caster angle—which refers to how far forward or backward a tire tilts when viewed from either side—and can range from mild shaking at low speeds up to full-on vibration at higher speeds. If left unaddressed, either of these issues could cause premature wear on your tires and suspension system over time and lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

Alignment Experts in Omaha and Council Bluffs - Mad Hatter Auto Repair

Uneven tire wear, pulling/drifting while driving, and steering wheel vibration are all potential symptoms of needing an alignment on your vehicle’s wheels. These issues should not be ignored due to their potential for long-term damage if left unchecked by a professional mechanic who specializes in alignments. By staying vigilant and paying attention to these signs before they escalate into more serious problems, you can save yourself time and money in costly repairs down the line!

As always, give us a call if you have any questions. In Omaha 402-330-2286 and in Council Bluffs 712-322-7500!