Don’t Let Your Alignment Problems Steer You The Wrong Direction

Winter roads can create spring driving problems and expensive repair if left unchecked.

That is especially true for your vehicle’s wheel alignment and suspension. Potholes, road debris and unseen curbs encountered during winter months become more noticeable during spring.

But there may be other causes as well.

For instance, bad alignment may be caused by worn out ball joints. Left unchecked, the problem can manifest itself in a wobbly wheel.

Drivers who live or visited regions with snow and ice are particularly prone to tire alignment issues. Ice-filled cracks and snow-covered curbs can knock your vehicle’s suspension out of whack.

Improper tire alignment also commonly leads to uneven tread wear. When a vehicle’s suspension system doesn’t have the correct orientation, tires do not make even contact with the road.

As a result, tread wears more heavily on one side. Not only does it accelerate tread wear, the condition contributes to steering problems.

So how often should you get your tire alignment checked?

Experts recommend at least once a year, more often if you have encountered potholes or a curb.

Technicians check for three things when inspecting tire alignment: camber, toe alignment, and caster alignment.

Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the tires as viewed from the front. Tilt in either direction could mean worn parts in your suspension system that need replacement.

Toe alignment refers to the inward or outward tilt of your tires as viewed from above. Properly aligned tires point straight ahead when the steering wheel is in a neutral position.

Inward or outward tilt of the tires shortens tire life significantly.

Caster alignment affects the angle and position of the steering axis. Like camber and toe alignment, caster alignment can be affected by run-ins with curbs and potholes.

Does your vehicle pull to one side or the other when you drive? The problem could be caster alignment.

So what can you do to avoid long term tire damage from tire problems?

Check for the following warning signs of alignment problems:

• Vehicle pulling to one side. Misaligned tires will probably cause your car to shift one way or the other, even when the steering wheel and road are straight.
• Uneven tire wear. Tilted tires could cause your treads to press harder into the pavement on one side of the treads, leading to more wear on that side.
• Vibration in the steering wheel. Worn or damaged parts in your suspension assembly could lead to vibration in the steering axis and steering wheel.
• Clunking noises coming from the wheels. Noises when you turn your wheels could mean worn wheel bearings or ball joints, which can cause tire alignment issues.