30 Dec Is It Time for a Tire Alignment? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Tires: they aren’t designed to hit the road at crooked angles. A tire works best when its surface rests flat against the road. When it doesn’t, problems ensue.
You don’t like problems, which is why it’s so crucial to know when you need a tire alignment. Here are the key facts every “tire user” should know!
How Often Should You Get Your Tires Aligned?
You should have your tire alignment (aka wheel alignment) checked every 12,000 miles (or more frequently if you frequently traverse rough roads). Alternatively, you may have your wheel alignment checked annually, or every other oil change. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual provides the best schedule for checking wheel alignment.
What Are the Signs You Need Tire Alignment?
You shouldn’t necessarily let 12,000 miles pass between your previous tire alignment and the next one. If you have noticed any of the following, then it’s worth having your alignment checked right away.
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Uneven tread wear. Do the inner or outer edges of your tires appear to be more worn down than the rest?
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Squealing tires. Do your tires squeal during normal operation?
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Vehicle veers to one side. If you took your hands off the wheel while driving, would your vehicle pull to the right or left? (DO NOT ATTEMPT.)
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Off-center steering wheel. Is your steering wheel not centered while you’re driving straight forward?
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Vibrating steering wheel. Does driving feel like you’re using a miniature jackhammer?
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Loose handling. When you steer, does your vehicle move farther to the left or right than you anticipate?
What Is Tire Alignment?
Don’t let its name fool you. “Tire alignment” isn’t actually done to the tires. It’s done to the vehicle’s suspension, and ensures that the tires are aligned with (A) the vehicle’s body, and (b) one another. Tires are able to function best in this state, which poses multiple benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Tire Alignment?
Tire alignment is well worth whatever small fee a mechanic charges for it. When you stay on top of this vehicle maintenance task, you can expect:
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Better handling. It’s not just important to racecar drivers. If your tires are misaligned, then they could compromise your ability to avoid an unexpected hazard.
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Even tire wear. When they wear out unevenly, tires are bound to have a shorter lifespan. Spending as little as possible on tires just isn’t possible without alignment.
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Better fuel efficiency. When its tires are correctly aligned with the road, the vehicle’s engine doesn’t have to expend as much energy.
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Greater comfort. Vibration and wobbling are the status quo when tires aren’t properly aligned. If you want to feel less of the road during your commute, then you already know what to do.
Get Your Tires Aligned at Square Tire
Want to make sure your tires are ready for any challenge Midwestern roadways can throw at them? Visit any of Square Tire’s locations in Sioux City, IA or Norfolk, NE for expert tire alignment that will help you drive more safely, more comfortably, and more affordably. Contact us today to schedule service, or to learn about our quality tires in stock!