Repair & Maintenance

Signs You Need an Alignment

Trouble with your vehicle's wheel alignment

It's movie night and you head out to make a snack run. You notice your car isn't handling like it usually does. You are having some trouble steering and keeping your vehicle straight on the road. What is going on? You likely need an alignment. 

driving-with-proper-wheel-alignment

What are the symptoms of your car being out of alignment?

There are some common symptoms you can identify when your car is in need of an alignment. You may notice one or more of these alignment issues:

  • Uneven or rapid tire wear
  • Pulling to the right or the left
  • Steering wheel being crooked when you are driving straight
  • Squealing tires
  • Noisy steering

When to get an alignment

Once you have confirmed that your vehicle has one or more of the above symptoms, you will want to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection. There are some additional questions they might ask you to help further diagnose the issue:

1-2

When did you first notice the problem? Did the issue start after hitting a curb? Or maybe the problem has developed gradually due to a deteriorating part.

2

How often does it happen? Maybe the vehicle pulls only on certain types of roads or under specific load conditions. The problem could be different after a turn or during braking.

3-2

When was the last time you added air or had the tires rotated? Tires can wear unevenly or prematurely due to lack of rotation and incorrect pressure.

4

Have you ever had the tires or any suspension or steering parts replaced? You can discuss the past work that has been done to see how it relates to the existing problem.

On the road to better alignment

Once your mechanic has answered these questions, they will be able to correct your alignment issues and get you safely back on the road.

 

Is your vehicle pulling or your steering wheel vibrating? Check out the Diagnostic Center on MOOGParts.com to learn more!

The content contained in this article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

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