Car alignment refers to mounting the wheels to the suspension system of your car. When the car alignment gets done, the vehicle can absorb bump shocks. When you do this correctly, you will get a comfortable ride. However, when one of your wheels shifts, you cannot control it, causing a hectic driving experience.
Causes of Misalignment
Your car’s alignment can change when you encounter a heavy impact. It may result from bumps, potholes, or engaging in minor accidents. These occasions may cause the misalignment of some or all of your wheels.
Wear and tear can also cause your car’s suspension system to malfunction. When parts like suspension springs and shocks get worn out, they cause gaps. They also make the steering slack, leading to losing control, and the alignment of the wheels shifts. Taking your car for maintenance can enable you to prevent poor alignment.
Modifying your ride height can also affect your car’s alignment. It means that your ride height must get aligned with the set suspension system. Therefore, you should adjust your car’s suspension system to match the adjusted riding height. Failing to do this will affect your vehicle’s operation, resulting from wheel misalignment.
Effects of Bad Alignment
Lousy wheel alignment makes it difficult for you to control your car. Your car gets inhibited from taking turns in any direction when its wheels are misaligned. It also gets difficult to drive straight because it pulls in one direction.
Tire Damage
Your tire’s lifespan gets reduced. Wheels that are not aligned tend to have more uneven wear and tear, causing you to change them more often than you should. Therefore, you will incur extra maintenance costs. Misaligned wheels are also prone to blow out because of uneven wheel friction. You can check whether your car wheels are in alignment by inspecting the tire tread. If the wear pattern is irregular, then you should take it to the mechanic for alignment. Making it a routine to check the tires every time you change your oil can extend your tire’s lifespan.
In conclusion, your car’s wheel alignment controls the essential parts that determine its mobility. Therefore, having a lousy alignment will make it hard for you to drive comfortably and safely. Heavy impacts and wear and tear of your car’s suspension system cause misalignment. Ensure that you adjust the suspension system when you change the drive height. You can inspect your vehicle, too, to determine whether your vehicle is properly aligned or not. Taking your vehicle for maintenance ensures that its suspension system is in optimum condition.