Wheel Alignment

How Important Is Wheel Alignment?

Research indicates that the average vehicle is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with a toe-angle misalignment of 0.34 degrees—only 0.17 inches out of specification—can drag its tires sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year.

Symptoms of Incorrect Wheel Alignment

Have your vehicle’s alignment checked if you notice:

• Excessive or uneven tire wear
• The vehicle pulls to the left or right
• A feeling of looseness or wandering
• Steering-wheel vibration or shimmy
• The steering wheel is not centered while the vehicle is moving straight ahead

How Often Should Wheel Alignment Be Checked?

Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation in your owner’s manual. As a general rule, have the wheel alignment checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.

The Importance of Total Alignment

• Reduced tire wear: Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear. Over time, maintaining proper alignment can add thousands of miles to tire life.
• Better gas mileage: Fuel economy improves as rolling resistance decreases. Aligning all four wheels so they are parallel, along with maintaining proper tire inflation, helps minimize rolling resistance.
• Improved handling: Many pulling and steering problems can be corrected through alignment service. When vehicle components are properly aligned, road shock is absorbed more efficiently for a smoother ride.
• Safer driving: An alignment procedure includes a suspension-system inspection, allowing worn components to be identified before they cause more costly problems.