Have you ever been driving down the highway and noticed your car pulling to one side? Or maybe you noticed that your steering wheel isn't straight, even when your car is? If so, then chances are your car needs a wheel alignment.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of wheels to ensure that they are set to the manufacturer's specifications. This helps optimize vehicle handling and can help reduce tire wear. Properly aligned wheels also increase fuel efficiency, improve safety, and make for a smoother ride.
Signs That Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment
There are several signs that indicate that your car may need a wheel alignment. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Uneven Tire Wear: One of the most obvious signs that you need a wheel alignment is uneven tire wear. This usually happens when one or more tires are more worn than the others, or if there's an excessive amount of tread on one side compared to another. If this is happening to any of your tires, it's likely time for an alignment.
2. Pulling in One Direction: If you notice that your vehicle pulls in one direction while driving straight ahead (usually either left or right), then this could also be an indication that it needs an alignment.
3. Vibrations While Driving: Does your steering wheel shake while driving at high speeds? Or do you feel vibrations coming from anywhere else in the car? These can be signs that something isn’t quite right with regards to wheel alignment and should definitely be checked out by a professional mechanic as soon as possible!
4 Steering Wheel Not Centered: Finally, if you find yourself having to constantly turn the steering wheel just so in order to keep your car going straight ahead then this could mean that it’s out of alignment and needs some attention from Sartorial Auto Repairs in Santa Rosa, CA!
Benefits Of Wheel Alignment Maintenance
There are numerous benefits associated with regular wheel alignments beyond just improved handling and reduced tire wear; they include improved fuel efficiency as well as improved safety for both drivers and passengers alike! Properly aligned wheels help make sure all four tires have even contact with roads surfaces which reduces drag on engines – meaning less energy is needed to move them forward – resulting in improved gas mileage! Additionally, since all four tires will have equal traction on different road surfaces it will help keep drivers better balanced when turning or braking suddenly which can result in safer operation all around!
When To Get Your Wheels Aligned
It’s recommended by most experts that vehicles get their wheels aligned every 10-12 months or 10-15 thousand miles (whichever comes first). However it’s important to note here that certain conditions such as hitting potholes or curbs can cause misalignment even sooner than this so if any suspicious behavior occurs between scheduled alignments don’t hesitate to get them checked out immediately!
Conclusion
Wheel alignment is important for both safety and performance reasons; without proper care over time these angles can become off-kilter which can lead not only decreased performance but also increased risk for accidents due too poor handling characteristics! If any of these signs seem familiar – uneven tire wear, pulling in one direction, vibrations while driving – then don't wait any longer; head over today Sartorial Auto Repairs located off Highway 101 North at 921 Sebastopol Road Suite A Santa Rosa CA 95407 for expert diagnosis and repair services at competitive prices!