What Causes Car Alignment Problems?

When your vehicle comes brand-new from the manufacturer, it is good to know that the wheels have been aligned, tested, adjusted, and verified.  But, if you have owned that car for very long, you may be noticing that the wheels have lost their alignment.

What does misalignment mean, you ask?  It means that the tires on your car are not pointing in the similar direction as the steering wheel, affecting crucial steering and suspension parts. Not only does this shorten the life of your tires by many miles, but it also compromises the safety of your vehicle.

Are you wondering what causes car alignment problems?  Misaligned wheels are the result of worn or damaged suspension parts due mostly to poor road conditions.  If you are consistently driving on bumpy roads, hit potholes and speed bumps too fast, run over curbs, or are involved in an accident, your car alignment will be affected.  You will find yourself working hard to drive straight down the road without veering to one side or the other, trying to right the steering wheel!  

Drivers who are inexperienced may not realize how misalignment negatively affects their driving.  It impacts the safety of your vehicle, and adds extreme wear to your tires, suspension system, and steering system.  Remember that a wheel alignment service is much less costly than buying a new set of tires!

Here are several major benefits of maintaining the proper wheel alignment on your vehicle:

• Enhance the handling and safety of your car.
• Increase fuel efficiency,
• Prevent damage to other components (such as brakes and shocks), and 
• Extend the lifespan of your tires.  

Remember to have your wheel alignment inspected about every 6,000 miles.  Or sooner if you are noticing signs of premature tire and tread wear. 

Need to know more about what causes car alignment problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car alignment service and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.  

Why is Wheel Alignment Necessary?

You are possibly wondering what is wrong with your vehicle if it is displaying these four symptoms: 

1. The tires are wearing unevenly,
2. The car pulls to one side or direction,
3. Strange vibrations when the car is moving,
4. The steering feels loose.

The above symptoms are that of a misaligned car.  So why is a wheel alignment necessary?  You might think there isn’t a rush to have your car alignment inspected, but if you wait too long to have a car alignment service, there will be significant repercussions, such as:  

• You will have to replace your tires sooner than usual;
• You will start having to fill up the fuel tank more often due to poor fuel economy; and
• Damage could be occurring to other vehicle components, such as brakes, shocks, and suspension.

Check out below why the proper wheel alignment is necessary:

• Your tires will last longer;
• Your vehicle will drive smoother;
• Your wheels will point in the right direction, which means you can cruise without continuously correcting course;
• Your vehicle will take less energy to keep going, which can save you money at the pump;
• Your vehicle will handle better, which means it will be safer.

Need to know more about why is a wheel alignment necessary?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our car alignment services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

How Often Should Wheel alignment and Tire Balancing be done?

As you get behind the steering wheel of your car and head out, you may start to notice a few steering issues. There is no set schedule as to when you should schedule wheel alignment or tire balancing services.  Because the symptoms of misalignment and lost balancing are so similar, it is difficult to know which issue is the problem that can result in damaged tires and suspension and steering issues.  

So how often should wheel alignment and tire balancing be done?  Whenever you start to notice any one or more of the issues listed below:

• Vehicle pulling to the left or right
• Uneven or rapid tire wear
• The steering wheel is crooked when driving straight
• Squealing tires

Keep an eye on your tires!  To prevent car alignment issues from starting, have the alignment inspected at every other oil change, or at the first sign of premature tire wear.  It is possible to skew the alignment without realizing it, such as hitting curbs, going too fast over speed bumps, hitting potholes too fast, or having an accident, no matter how minor.  The same applies to the balance of your tires.

Both correct car alignment and tire balancing are compulsory for the well-being of your tires, as well as the safety of your vehicle.  Tire balancing should be performed more frequently, while a wheel alignment service is not needed as often.  These easy and inexpensive services are well worth the little bit of time and money to protect your tire investment and enhance the safety of your vehicle.

Need to know how often should wheel alignment and tire balancing be done?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about car alignment and tire balancing and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.