How to Tell if Your Car Is Out of Alignment

Driving a car with bad alignment is not only bad for your vehicle, it can also make it more difficult for you to control the vehicle. Unfortunately, there are not any warning lights that will pop up on the dashboard letting you know of this problem, so how do you know if your car is out of alignment? There are some warning signs to be aware of. Here are some car alignment symptoms that may mean it’s time to schedule a car alignment appointment with your mechanic.

How does poor alignment affect your car?

If your car is out of alignment, it affects more than your driving. It can also have an effect on the vehicle and the tires. For example, poor alignment can cut thousands of miles off of the life of your tires. Even if only one tire is wearing more rapidly, it will have an impact on at least two of your tires, because they must at least be replaced in pairs, if not all four at once. This can also have an impact on your car’s steering and suspension systems if left unchecked.

Poor alignment can also have an impact at the gas pump. Your tires have an effect on your mileage, and you may be getting fewer miles per gallon if your car is out of alignment.

Signs your car is out of alignment

Many car alignment symptoms are easy to pick up on when you drive the vehicle. For starters, you will be able to feel if the car is out of alignment because it will usually pull to one side or the other when you are driving. A little drifting might be okay, but the harder the pull, the worse your alignment is likely to be. In this same vein, if your steering wheel is a little crooked when you’re driving in a straight line, that may mean the vehicle is out of alignment.

Another way to tell if your car is out of alignment is if you notice uneven wearing on the tires. For example, if one side is wearing more than the other, especially in the front, you should take your car to a trusted auto shop to have it checked out. There may also be signs of rapid wearing on the tires, or you may hear squealing from the tires when driving.

What you can do about it

One thing you can do to avoid driving for too long with a car that’s out of alignment is to get it checked regularly. It’s recommended to have it checked at the first sign of alignment problems. Even if you don’t suspect anything is wrong, it’s a good idea to have it looked at with every other oil change.

Whether your car or truck needs a basic tune-up or a major overhaul, it’s important to take it to an auto shop you can trust. With a reputation for honest, upfront customer service as well as expert vehicle care, Qwest Automotive Service is your best bet for auto care. For all your auto care needs, including car alignment, contact or pay a visit to Qwest Automotive Service today!