Has driving become more of an exercise session? When you're driving down the highway, are you using your core muscles to keep the car from veering left or right? If this is the perfect description of your driving time, this could mean that it's time for an alignment. If your car needs an alignment, make sure you aren't ignoring this repair as it may lead to even more trouble. Learn why having your car aligned is important.
Poor Handling
If your vehicle needs an alignment and you continue to drive it, you will have handling issues. When driving at fast speeds, this is especially dangerous. Poor handling means that you will have a more difficult time keeping your car in your lane and that it will be equally hard to control your vehicle when you're stopping. A need for an alignment will increase your accident risk and put your safety in jeopardy.
Increased Tire Wear
Tires operate best when there is an equal amount of pressure placed on each tire. When a vehicle is out of alignment, more pressure may be placed on one side of the vehicle than the other. This increased pressure on one side will also mean more wear on the tires on this side of the vehicle. In some instances, the wear is so significant that you will need to replace the tires on one side of your vehicle considerably sooner than the tires on the other side.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
A vehicle with alignment issues may also operate with reduced fuel efficiency. One reason for this is that the engine typically must work harder when the wheels aren't aligned. Since your engine is working harder, this means that you will burn more fuel and ultimately, spend more money to drive around to the places you normally do. The harder you work the engine, also the more wear placed on it.
More Costly Repairs
If you don't make an alignment a part of your regular car care, you can expect to have a higher than normal repair cost. Not only can an alignment get worse, but it can cause a ripple effect in terms of the damage it creates. As a result, what could have been a minor problem to correct will quickly turn into something a lot costlier. As soon as you notice that your vehicle is out of alignment, make sure you are acting fast.
If your car needs an alignment, make certain you aren't overlooking this repair. Take your vehicle to a repair shop, like D Wells Automotive Service, for prompt service.