Happy New Year from the Glen's Tire Family! Thank you for your loyalty and support as we look forward to serving you in 2025 and beyond! We Will Be Closing at Noon New Year's Eve & Closed New Year's Day.Merry Christmas from the Glen's Tire Family! May your holidays be filled with love and joy! We Will Be Closing at Noon on December 24th & Closed December 25th.

News

16

How to Know You Need a Wheel Alignment

posted on
Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels on your vehicle to the specifications of your vehicle manufacturer. When your vehicle was built, the wheels were perfectly positioned to the manufacturer’s ideal specifications, but over time your vehicle loses its alignment. Misalignment issues can lead to serious safety and performance issues and costly repairs. A wheel alignment service will optimize the various angles of your wheels to each other, and to the road. Wheel Alignments
 
Aligning your wheels requires the vehicle to be placed on a wheel alignment machine. This machine uses specific measurements to allow the technician to set and adjust the suspension components back to the factory specifications. The common alignment angles are camber, caster, and toe. These angles become misaligned due to potholes, hitting curbs, speed bumps, being in an accident and other driving hazards. So, how do you know when your vehicle requires a wheel alignment? 
 

The Most Common Indications Your Vehicle Requires a Wheel Alignment

 
  • Steering Wheel is Not Straight — If you are driving on a flat straight path, your steering wheel should be straight, centered, and still. Poor alignment will cause your steering wheel to be crooked and off-centered or at an odd angle when driving straight. 
  • Drifting or Pulling — If your vehicle drifts to the left or right while driving straight down a leveled road your alignment is off. 
  • Uneven Tire Wear — A camber adjustment issue will cause excessive tire wear, particularly on the edges of your tires. 
  • Vibration — If your steering wheel vibrates when you are driving, this can be another indication your wheels are out of alignment. 
  • The Vehicle Handling Feels Loose — Your car will be unstable and loose when driving straight and taking turns due to improper wheel alignment. 
  • Vehicle Noise — If you hear squeaking, creaking, knocking or rubbing when you start driving or go around corners, this may be an indication of steering and suspension issues. A wheel alignment will be required after these repairs. 
 
Experts recommend that wheels need to be aligned after every 10,000 miles. You will require wheel re-alignment sooner depending on your driving conditions or if you’ve had an accident. Everyday driving over constant speed bumps, hitting curbs, or potholes slowly causes your tire angles to change. Incorrect wheel alignment can create drivability and premature wear problems, so it’s best to get the vehicle inspected as soon as you notice any of the indications of wheel alignment issues. Visit our auto repair shop and have our mechanics inspect your wheel alignment, make the necessary adjustments, and keep you and your passengers safe!
Categories: Auto Repair 101 | View Count: (91) | Return

Visit Our Shop

Contact Us

Phone: (574) 862-1159
Fax:
Address: 609 E Waterford Street
Wakarusa, IN 46573
Phone: (574) 773-9275
Fax:
Address: 2530 East Market St
Nappanee, IN 46550
Powered by Net Driven
Login

About Us

Serving the Wakarusa and Nappanee, Indiana areas, Glen's Tire carries top quality brand name tires and wheels from Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Bridgestone, Fuzion, Fierce, Goodyear, and more. Our service department specializes in tune-ups, tire balancing, tire repair and more. Schedule Your Appointment Today!