Wheel Alignment: What It Is and Why It Matters

When your wheels are properly aligned, all four point parallel to the centerline of the car as you drive straight down the road, and they sit close to perpendicular to the road. When they’re out of alignment, your tires wear out faster, the steering can feel less stable, and your gas mileage can drop.

Wheels can get out of alignment from hitting curbs or potholes too hard. They can also drift out of alignment as steering and suspension parts gradually wear.

How we handle alignments:
We don’t offer wheel alignments as a stand-alone service. Some repairs, such as steering or
suspension work, need an alignment to finish the job. When they do, we arrange it with a trusted local partner.

Benefits of Proper Alignment

1. Less wear and tear on other parts.
When the wheels are out of alignment, you have to keep steady pressure on the steering wheel to keep the car going straight, which strains the steering system. You may also feel the car pull to one side when you brake, which makes the brakes work harder on one side and wear unevenly.

2. Better gas mileage.
Proper alignment cuts rolling resistance, so your car doesn’t have to work as hard or burn as much fuel to move forward.

3. Longer tire life. Even a slight misalignment can be hard on tires. If the wheels have too much or too little toe-in (how much they point toward each other at the front), a narrow strip on each tire wears down quickly, and you’ll need new tires sooner. Keeping your wheels aligned helps your tires wear evenly and last as long as possible.

4. Protects your tire warranty.
Tire warranties generally cover defects in the tire itself. If your tires wear out early because of poor alignment, the manufacturer may treat it as a maintenance problem and decline the claim.

When to Have Your Alignment Checked

• When the steering wheel feels unstable or vibrates
• After an accident
• After replacing tires
• When steering becomes difficult
• When your fuel economy keeps getting worse