What causes front end alignment problems?

Front-end alignment issues can result from a variety of factors, which affect the angles of the wheels and the direction they point. Here are some common causes:

• Hitting Potholes or Curbs: Sudden impacts from hitting a pothole, curb, or other road obstacles can knock the wheels out of alignment. Even small bumps can accumulate damage over time.
• Worn Suspension Parts: Components of the suspension system, like ball joints, tie rods, or bushings, can wear out or become loose. This wear can cause the wheels to lose their proper alignment.
• Accidents or Collisions: Any collision, even minor ones, can damage the alignment of the front end. The force from the impact can bend suspension Components, steering parts, or the frame.
• Tire Wear and Rotation: Uneven tire wear or not rotating tires as recommended can lead to alignment problems. If one tire is more worn than others, it can affect the way the vehicle drives and cause alignment issues.
• Improper Installation or Adjustment: Poor installation of suspension parts or incorrect alignment settings during a previous alignment service can cause ongoing issues.
• Heavy Loads: Carrying heavy loads regularly can strain the suspension system, leading to misalignment. Over time, the added weight can cause the front end to sag, altering the alignment.
• Worn-Out Tires: Tires that are unevenly worn or have different tread depths can cause the vehicle to pull to one side, indicating a possible alignment problem.
• Aging Components: As vehicles age, the natural wear and tear on various components, such as springs and shocks, can cause the alignment to drift out of specification.
• Natural Wear and Tear: Normal driving over time can cause gradual changes in alignment. Even without specific incidents or damage, regular driving can lead to alignment drifting out of specification.

Regular maintenance and checkups can help prevent alignment problems from becoming more severe, improving both the safety and long life of the vehicle.

Wondering what causes front end alignment problems? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about wheel alignment issues and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What Are the Signs of a Bad Alignment?

You may be noticing that your car isn’t driving as well as it should.  You might think there is no hurry to have your wheel alignment inspected, but if you keep ignoring the issue, you may start to notice even more serious issues, such as:

• Tires wear out prematurely,
• Poor fuel efficiency, and
• The safety of other components, such as brakes, shocks, and suspension, is compromised.

So what are the signs of a bad alignment?  There are four easy-to-recognize signs of needed wheel alignment:

1. The tires are unevenly worn
2. The vehicle pulls to one side 
3. Strange vibrations are felt when the car is moving
4. The steering feels sloppy

If your vehicle is misaligned, not only will you notice the above issues, but your passengers, you, and other drivers are at increased risk of an accident from driving your car. If repairing a bad wheel alignment can prevent having an accident, then the price of a wheel alignment service is money well spent.

An auto repair technician can easily determine whether you want a wheel alignment or any other service to keep your car in good working condition so that you are driving as safe as potential.  

Do you want to know what are the signs of a bad alignment? Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about our wheel alignment services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

Why is Wheel Alignment Important?

If you’re wondering why is wheel alignment important for your vehicle, let’s first consider what will happen if your vehicle is not correctly aligned.  Here are four common problems you will start to notice:

1. Uneven tread wear
2. A steering wheel that is off-Centre when driving straight
3. Car pulling off to the left or right

You might think you can wait a while to have the front alignment inspected, but if you wait too long, there will be significant repercussions, such as:  

• You will have to replace your tires sooner than usual;
• You will start having to fill up the fuel tank more often due to poor fuel economy; and
• Damage could be occurring to other vehicle components, such as brakes, shocks, and suspension.

So why is wheel alignment important? Here are a few benefits of keeping your car in correct alignment:

• Boosts your car’s handling and safety,
• Increases fuel efficiency,
• Tires are wearing unevenly,
• The steering wheel feels loose or sloppy.
• Extends the life of your tires.
• The car pulls to one side or direction while driving straight,
• Strange vibrations

Need to have the front alignment checked out on your car?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about wheel alignment and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

Do you know How Often Should You Get An Alignment?

You may be wondering about the purpose of a wheel alignment?  The purpose is three-fold—to keep the steering at the original manufacturers’ settings; to aid inconsistent and even tire wear, and to assist in correct braking of your car.

It’s not a hard fast rule, but under usual driving conditions, a wheel alignment is suggested once or twice a year. Though, this recommendation is very flexible. If you drive often on particularly rough roads or are habitually hitting curbs, then you should possibly have your wheel alignment inspected more often.  Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed length of time that your vehicle will stay in alignment. It can be simply put off with a single bump of a curb or the jolt of a large pothole.

Is a wheel alignment necessary when you get new tires?

The mounting of new tires can be a good opportunity to address alignment – especially if your old, dismounted tires are showing signs of uneven wear. Getting a wheel alignment will produce correct tire wear and longevity.

Do you want a front or four-wheel alignment?

This depends on your vehicle, and whether there are rear adjustments available on your vehicle.  If the front and rear alignment adjustments are probable, then you'll want a four-wheel alignment. The price difference between front and four-wheel alignment services is not significant.

Maintaining proper car alignment, along with regular tire rotations, will keep your vehicle aligned within O.M.E. specifications; will offer correct vehicle handling; and ensure optimum tire wear and longevity.

Money spent on a wheel alignment is money well invested incorrect car care, preventative maintenance, and vehicle safety.

Do you know how often you should get an alignment?  Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about our car alignment services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.