When Is It Time To Get A Wheel Alignment?

When your vehicle is not properly aligned, you may experience noticeable issues in your daily driving and vehicle handling. More importantly, wheel misalignment can result in some serious safety concerns. In this blog, we review how you can determine when it’s time to get a wheel alignment.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is the adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension and steering to ensure that all four wheels are pointed in the right direction and tracking properly so that the wheels perform correctly and your vehicle doesn’t pull to one side. Many cars now come with advanced driver assistance systems such as electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise, and traction control, and vehicle misalignment can alter the effectiveness of these systems, which can be a serious safety concern.

What Are The Signs That I Need An Alignment?

Unfortunately, there is no warning light for misalignment. However, there are several sure-fire signs you can watch for that will let you know that your vehicle is out of proper alignment.

1. The steering wheel feels shaky or off centre when driving straight and level.
2. Your vehicle pulls to one side.
3. You feel unstable and your car wanders from side to side.
4. Screeching tires.
5. Your tires are wearing unevenly.

If you notice any of the signs above, it’s definitely time for a wheel alignment. The only way to catch and correct this problem quickly and effectively is by booking your vehicle for regular maintenance.

Things That Are Affecting Your Wheel Alignment

Sometimes alignment issues can stem from driving habits like going over curbs and potholes, or taking speed bumps too quickly.

Another reason could be due to an accident, even a small bump can cause your alignment to shift. If you’ve been in an accident and haven’t brought your car to the shop for a checkup following the incident, we highly recommend that you have a technician take a look to ensure that everything is aligned and working as it should.

Another good time to have a wheel alignment performed is when you purchase new tires as insurance against rapid wear of your new tires. We provide a discount when you purchase and install four new tires.

If you’re unsure about your wheel alignment or think that you might be experiencing an issue, schedule an alignment check with MTC Tire. As a TreadPro certified tire centre, we will make sure that the job is done right and you leave 100% satisfied!