Some people may not realize the importance of properly aligned tires. Sure, it might not sound like a big deal, but misaligned tires can actually be quite dangerous. If your tires aren’t aligned properly, it means they’re not all pointing in the correct direction. Put that way, it sounds like an obvious issue, but many drivers may not notice that their tires are misaligned. Your tire alignment is a surprisingly delicate system, one that can easily be disrupted by everyday bumps in the road. Today we’ll discuss a few of the consequences of delaying tire alignment service – and the dangers that can result.
Increased Fuel Efficiency
Proper tire alignment is essential for a smooth, safe, cost-efficient ride. There are a few reasons why having your tires aligned is important. First, it helps to improve your gas mileage. When your tires are properly aligned, they create less drag on the road, which means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move your car forward. When your tires are aligned, they appropriately contact the road surface to minimize wear and tear. This means that less energy is being wasted in overcoming drag resistance. And when your engine doesn’t have to work as hard, it doesn’t have to burn as much fuel. As a result, you’ll get better gas mileage – not to mention spending less on gas. So if you’re looking for a possible way to save money at the pump, make sure your tires are correctly aligned.
Even Tire Wear
One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your tires is to have the alignment checked and adjusted on a regular basis. Tire alignment helps to prevent uneven wear, which can lead to premature tire failure. When your tires are correctly aligned, they will rotate evenly, which helps to extend their lifespan. In addition, well-aligned tires are less likely to produce vibration, making for a smoother ride. As a result, it’s essential to have your alignment checked whenever you get new tires or if you notice that your car is pulling to one side.
As you might have guessed, taking time to check your tire alignment and ensure everything is squared away can save you time and money. Preventative maintenance costs less and could save you from more costly services down the road. Unevenly-worn tires carry a risk of blowouts, and even without that catastrophic failure, uneven tread reduces your traction to the road. This means you have reduced control over your vehicle. By keeping your tires aligned, you can enjoy a smooth ride and save money in the long run.
Increased Safety
Proper tire alignment can improve the handling of your car. You don’t need to be told that your vehicle handles best when all the tires point in the right direction. If your tires are out of alignment, it can cause your car to veer to one side or the other. To drive safely, you need to have complete control over your vehicle. Poor tire alignment makes that impossible.
On top of that, unevenly worn tires are weaker in spots, leading to bulging and even blowouts. Naturally, this isn’t just dangerous to you as a driver; it’s dangerous for everyone else on the road with you. The roads are safest when everyone works together to make them that way. By aligning your tires, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
How Often Should I Have My Tires Aligned?
Maintaining proper tire alignment is essential for a smooth and safe ride. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t know how often to have their tires aligned. The general rule of thumb is to get your tires aligned every 6,000-8,000 miles or every six months. However, this can vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive and how you use it.
For example, if you frequently drive on rough roads or do a lot of off-roading, you may need to align your tires more often. Conversely, if you mostly stick to highways and well-maintained roads, you can probably go a little longer between alignments. Paying attention to how your vehicle handles can also give you a clue as to whether or not your tires need to be aligned. If your car seems to pull to one side or vibrates excessively, even if it hasn’t been long since your last alignment, it’s probably time for another.
When you hit a bump in the road and your car starts to vibrate, or you drive through a pothole and notice your steering is off, it’s time to have your tires aligned. Even city tires take a beating every day, so it’s essential to ensure they’re always in good condition. Many of the symptoms of improper alignment could also be signs of other problems, so it’s always a good idea to have your car checked out if you notice it behaving strangely. If you’re ever unsure, it’s a good idea to make an appointment for auto service anyway.
Let Pete’s Automotive Take Care of Your Car
When you bring your car to the auto repair professionals at Pete’s Automotive for alignment, tire, or wheel services, you can be confident that you’re getting the best possible automotive service. Our experienced technicians are committed to providing quality workmanship and outstanding customer service. We understand the importance of keeping your car in top condition, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure you’re satisfied with our work.
Whether you need a simple alignment service, brake services, complex tire repair or a wide variety of other services, you can trust Pete’s Automotive to get the job done right. And you can be sure you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your car; expert service naturally includes open communication and exceptional customer care. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.