What can cause a car to go out of alignment?
There are three main causes of wheel misalignment, these are:
- Sudden jarring or heavy impact caused by hitting something, such as a pothole, bumping a curb, or a road accident.
- Worn parts caused by wear and tear.
- Height modification, when suspension has not been changed to suit.
What happens if a car is out of alignment?
Steering Problems: When wheels become out of line, they aren’t facing in the directions necessary for optimal handling. This means that you may be trying to steer straight, and the vehicle is veering in a completely different direction. The more misaligned the wheels get, the less reliable your steering will become.
How do you know if your car is out of alignment?
Here are some common signs that you are dealing with wheels with poor alignment:
- Vehicle pulling to the left or right.
- Uneven or rapid tire wear.
- Your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight.
- Squealing tires.
What happens if alignment is improper?
Driving a vehicle with improper wheel alignment will result in uneven tire wear. If the problem is not corrected right away, the lifespan of the tires will be drastically reduced, and you will end up spending a lot of money to replace your tires prematurely.
How much does it cost to fix car alignment?
A front-end alignment that only involves the two wheels on the front of the car typically costs from $50 to $75, compared to $100 to $150 for a four-wheel alignment. Purchasing a limited warranty that covers the work for a specified period of time or based on mileage limitations costs less than a lifetime warranty.
How long can you go without alignment?
Check tread wear every time you rotate your tires. If they are wearing evenly, you don’t need an alignment. 500 miles won’t make a huge difference as long as the vehicle seems to be driving fine, your steering wheel isn’t vibrating or the car isn’t shaking as you go down the road.