These 17 “Trends” Regarding Wheel Alignment Are Not Valid
When it comes to wheel alignment, there is a lot of misinformation out there in the world. From people who think they know more than they do, to myths and bogus trends that have been circulating for years, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 15 “trends” in wheel alignment that you should not buy into.
1) Aligning your wheels will fix all suspension problems: Unfortunately, aligning your tires won’t solve all suspension issues. While aligning them may help reduce wear on the tires caused by improper angles or misalignment, other problems such as worn parts or shocks might need replacing before proper alignment can occur.
2) Wheel Alignment is only necessary when your car pulls to one side: Poor wheel alignment can cause the vehicle to pull diagonally, in circles and even straight. It’s important to check your Wheel Alignment Northampton regularly as it could be the underlying cause of a number of other problems such as uneven tire wear or poor handling.
3) You should only align your wheels when you buy new tires: While it is generally recommended that you get an alignment done after installing new tires, it should also be done periodically regardless of whether you have new or old tires on your vehicle. Uneven surfaces and potholes can affect wheel alignment over time so make sure to check it at least once per year.
4) Aligning your wheels will make them last longer: While it is true that properly aligned wheels might last longer, a wheel alignment won’t necessarily extend the life of the tires.
5) You don’t need an alignment if you haven’t hit anything recently: Contrary to popular belief, potholes, bumps, and even regular driving can cause misalignment over time.
6) Alignment is only necessary if you have worn tires: Poor alignment can cause uneven tire wear, so it’s important to check for misalignment before replacing tires. Unevenly worn tires may be a sign that there is an underlying problem with the wheel alignment and getting them checked as soon as possible can help prevent further damage.
7) Wheel alignment doesn’t need to be done until 50,000 miles: The recommended interval for wheel alignment varies depending on the make and model of your car, so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual or speak to a professional technician in order to determine how often you should get an alignment done.
8) Alignment is only necessary if you have a front-wheel drive car: All cars need to have their wheel alignment checked regularly regardless of whether they are front, rear or all-wheel drive. Uneven surfaces and potholes can affect any vehicle so make sure to get your alignment checked annually in order to keep everything running smoothly.
9) You don’t need an alignment unless you feel something wrong: If you feel something wrong with the way your car handles, it’s important to get it checked as soon as possible. Poor handling could be an indication of poor wheel alignment and getting it looked at by a professional technician could save you from further damage down the line.
10) Aligning four wheels is more expensive than aligning two: While it may cost more to align all four wheels than two, the benefits of having all wheels properly aligned could outweigh the costs in the long run. Proper alignment can improve handling and fuel efficiency as well as reduce uneven tire wear which can save you money down the line.
11) Aligning your wheels will make them look better: While Wheel Alignment may have an effect on how your car looks, it won’t necessarily make them look better. Unevenly worn tires or crooked steering are signs that there might be something wrong with your alignment and should be addressed by a professional technician rather than simply trying to “fix” it yourself.
12) You don’t need an alignment if your car is still under warranty: Most manufacturers will cover the cost of wheel alignment under their warranties so it’s important to check with them before getting your wheels aligned. However, even if your car is still covered by a warranty, you should still get regular alignment checks in order to ensure that your car is running at its best.
13) Aligning your wheels will improve gas mileage: While proper wheel alignment can certainly have an effect on fuel efficiency, it won’t necessarily make a huge difference in terms of improved gas mileage. Other factors such as tire pressure and aerodynamic drag are usually more influential when it comes to fuel economy so make sure to address those first before considering a wheel alignment.
14) Aligning your wheels is difficult and time-consuming: Although aligning your wheels may sound complicated, with the right tools and some patience it’s actually quite simple. You can even do it yourself if you have a bit of mechanical knowledge or take it to a professional technician who will be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
15) Wheel alignment isn’t worth the money: Contrary to popular belief, getting an alignment done regularly can actually help you save money in the long run. Poor alignment can cause uneven tire wear which will eventually lead to expensive replacements while proper alignment can ensure that your tires last longer and help improve fuel efficiency as well. So, although there is an initial cost associated with wheel alignment, it’s definitely worth the money in the end.
16) Aligning your wheels will improve your car’s performance: While wheel alignment may not have a huge effect on a car’s performance, it can certainly help with overall handling and stability. Properly aligned wheels can also improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear and tear on other parts of your vehicle which could lead to improved performance over time. So, if you want to get the most out of your car, make sure to get regular wheel alignments.
17) You can do a wheel alignment yourself: While it is possible to align your own wheels, it’s generally not recommended. Aligning wheels requires a certain level of mechanical knowledge and special tools that most people don’t have access to. It’s usually best to take your car to a professional technician who will be able to get the job done quickly and correctly.
In summary, getting regular wheel alignment checks is important in order to keep everything running smoothly to pass the MOT Northampton test. Poor handling or uneven tire wear are signs that something might be wrong and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Although there may be an initial cost associated with an alignment, it could save you money down the line by improving fuel efficiency and reducing wear and tear on other parts of your vehicle. So, if you want to keep your car running at its best, take the time to make sure that your wheels are properly aligned. Don’t forget to Own the Line!
