The Signs That You Need a Wheel Alignment

Hooper Tire Outlet Give You the Facts

Fuel economy, handling and the overall safety of your vehicle is highly dependent upon your wheel alignment. If your car has poor alignment, it could dramatically affect response time. So, what are the specific signs you should be looking for? Read on.

Is your steering wheel off-center?

Does it seem as though you’re turning your car slowly in one direction? Is your steering wheel at an odd angle? If the answer is yes, it may be because you’ve just gotten a front-end or four-wheel alignment recently and the tech adjusted your tie rods to remove the pull on the steering wheel. As a result, it changed the position of the wheels in relation to the steering column. The directional pull was resolved, but it could create what is called “off-tracking” or “dog-tracking”. This is when your car rides at a slight sideways angle. 

Unfortunately the fix is to have another four-wheel alignment. Proper alignment should reset the steering wheel back to the center.

Do you feel as though your steering is loose?

Your car should have a direct response to the direction you steer it. If you feel as though you’re turning the wheel with very little movement and the steering feels loose, you’ll need to have the alignment checked out.

Does your car pull or drift?

When your vehicle pulls to one side of the road, this is a sure sign you need an alignment. You may feel as though you have to steer in the opposite direction all the time just to keep the car headed straight. In order to check this, while you’re driving straight on a flat road, let go of the steering wheel for a couple of seconds. If your car drifts in either direction, it’s time for an alignment.

Is your steering wheel vibrating?

How many times have you hit a curb or a pothole? If your steering wheel vibrates, it may be because your wheels have been knocked out of alignment by the jarring that occurs. A vibrating steering wheel may be the start of a bigger, more serious issue, so be sure to get it checked immediately. 

Is there uneven tire wear?

If the tire wear patterns are uneven, it can cause your tires to be out of alignment. To measure tread depth you’ll need a penny, a quarter, or a tread depth gauge. Measure the depth in different areas of each tire. If the depth is different between tires, that is a sign that your tire alignment is off.  

Call Hooper Tire Outlet today to make an appointment. Our professional staff will do a tire rotation of all four tires for only $20. And we’ll get you in and out in a hurry.