Spotting potential problems before they transform into major trouble is the key to keeping you and your passengers safe on the road, as well as keeping your car maintenance bill lower. One such area to pay attention to before it goes off the rails is the alignment of your car’s wheels.
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One sign that you should schedule an alignment check with a trusted mechanic is right at your fingertips, your car’s steering wheel. According to the experts at YourMechanic.com, if your steering wheel is anywhere but centered or straight when you’re traversing down a level, flat road, your car’s alignment needs help. Since you regularly check your tire’s tread, condition, and air pressure, you’ll have little problem noticing trouble spots that could signal misalignment.
“Wear on only the inside or outside edges of tires can indicate a problem with the camber adjustment. Feathering or scalloping of the tires often indicates a problem with the toe adjustment,” according to YourMechanic.
Squealing tires are also loud warnings that your car’s alignment is not right, according to Firestone. Other indications of misaligned tires while you’re driving include a vehicle that pulls to one side, a steering wheel that fails to adjust to the center position on its own, and handling that is loose.
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According the Firestone experts, “poor alignment can shorten a tire’s life by thousands of miles and compromise very crucial steering and suspension parts.” If you notice issues with your car’s alignment, don’t ignore it or it could lead to serious issues and expensive fixes.
News Source: YourMechanic, Firestone
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