The wheels of a car tend to become gradually misaligned over time, which can lead to a variety of problems. For this reason, wheel alignment is an important routine car service to have carried out at our GMC dealership. The following are some common signs that your car’s wheels have become misaligned and you need prompt GMC service to realign them.
What are the Signs of Needing a Wheel Alignment?
There are a few signs to be on the lookout for that will indicate you need a wheel alignment such as:
- Unaligned Steering
- Car is pulling to one side
- Uneven tire wear
- Vibration in the steering wheel
Your Steering Isn’t Perfectly Straight
With misaligned wheels, you may find that the steering wheel doesn’t return to a perfectly centered position after turning. While on the open road, you might also find that you need to pull the steering wheel a fraction to one side to keep your car straight.
Your Car Keeps Pulling to One Side
When a car’s wheels aren’t aligned, the vehicle will often veer slightly to one side. Pulling to one side like this might also be caused by a worn-out brake part, a tire pressure issue, or something else. Ask a technician to diagnose the underlying cause.
Your Tires Are Wearing Unevenly
Misaligned wheels frequently cause the tires to wear down unevenly. While inspecting your tires, you may notice excessive wear on either the inside or outside of one or more of your tires, indicating camber or toe alignment issues.
Your Steering Wheel Is Vibrating
Without precisely aligned wheels, road friction will increase, and you’re likely to notice more noise and vibrations than usual. Specifically, you may feel strange vibrations through the steering wheel.
Why Do I Need Routine Wheel Alignment Service
There are many benefits to routine wheel alignments including:
- Better Handling
- Smooth driving experience
- Even wear while driving
As various small knocks and bumps slowly push your car’s wheels out of alignment, your vehicle handling steadily worsens. Veering or imperfect steering lessens your control over your car, which can become a safety issue. As vibrations increase, your ride becomes less smooth and pleasant. Also, misaligned wheels cause car tires to wear down faster, potentially putting you at risk of blowouts or skids.
How Often Does My Car Need a Wheel Alignment?
As a rule of thumb, most drivers should have their wheels checked and realigned every 6,000 miles. This is usually twice a year, which may coincide with your oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
Schedule Routine Car Services for Your Convenience
Wheel realignment is one of several important routine car maintenance services. To keep on top of all your essential vehicle upkeep tasks, it may help to schedule routine servicing at your nearest dealership. That way, the technicians can help you to organize and remember each maintenance task.
Visit Sisbarro GMC in Las Cruces, NM today to have your wheels promptly realigned. We’re a locally trusted dealership that’s been helping the region’s drivers with terrific vehicles, deals, and customer service since 1981.
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