How to Tell When My Car Needs a Wheel Alignment

If your car is pulling to one side, your steering wheel feels off-center, or you notice uneven tire wear, it might be time for a wheel alignment. Proper wheel alignment is essential for maintaining control, improving tire longevity, and ensuring a smooth ride. Ignoring alignment issues can lead to poor handling, decreased fuel efficiency, and costly tire replacements. If you’re experiencing these signs, it’s a good idea to have a professional like the ones at Beach Ford inspect your vehicle and adjust the alignment to keep your car driving safely and efficiently. 

What is a Wheel Alignment?

A wheel alignment is a service that adjusts the angles of your vehicle’s wheels to ensure they are positioned correctly according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This process involves adjusting three key angles—camber, caster, and toe—to improve handling, prevent uneven tire wear, and enhance overall driving performance. When your wheels are properly aligned, your car drives straighter, your tires wear evenly, and you experience better fuel efficiency. Misalignment can occur over time due to potholes, rough roads, or minor collisions, making regular alignment checks essential for maintaining a smooth and safe ride.

How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?

A wheel alignment typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the vehicle and the severity of the misalignment. If additional repairs, such as suspension adjustments or replacing worn components, are needed, the process may take longer. Most alignment services involve checking and adjusting the camber, caster, and toe angles to ensure your wheels are properly aligned with the manufacturer’s specifications. Regular alignments help maintain optimal handling, improve tire longevity, and enhance overall driving safety. If you suspect your car needs an alignment, scheduling a quick service can help prevent further issues down the road.

Tire Balancing vs Alignment: What’s The Difference?

Tire balancing and wheel alignment are both essential for a smooth and safe ride, but they address different issues. Tire balancing corrects weight imbalances in the wheel and tire assembly, ensuring even weight distribution to prevent vibrations, uneven wear, and steering issues. This process involves adding small weights to the wheel to counterbalance any inconsistencies. On the other hand, a wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels—camber, caster, and toe—to ensure they are properly aligned with the car’s suspension and manufacturer specifications. While tire balancing focuses on eliminating vibrations and improving ride comfort, alignment ensures proper handling, steering stability, and even tire wear. Both services work together to extend tire life and optimize vehicle performance.

Signs My Vehicle Needs a Wheel Alignment:

Here are the key signs that your vehicle may need a wheel alignment:

• Vehicle pulls to one side – Your car drifts left or right when driving on a straight road.
• Off-center steering wheel – The steering wheel appears crooked even when driving straight.
• Uneven or rapid tire wear – Tires wear down irregularly, indicating misalignment.
• Steering wheel vibrations – Shaking or vibrations in the steering wheel while driving.
• Tires squealing – High-pitched noises when turning or accelerating.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get your alignment checked to ensure safe and smooth driving.

How Often Should I Change My Tires?

How often you should change your tires depends on several factors, including driving habits, road conditions, and tire quality. On average, most tires last between 25,000 to 75,000 miles, but it’s important to check your tread depth and overall tire condition regularly. A good rule of thumb is to replace your tires when the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch, which you can check using the penny test—if you insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down and can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires. Additionally, cracks, bulges, or frequent loss of air pressure can indicate the need for replacement. Regular tire rotations and alignments can help extend their lifespan but always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best performance and safety.

Schedule a Wheel Alignment with Our Myrtle Beach Ford Service Center Today!

Scheduling a wheel alignment service at Beach Ford in Myrtle Beach, SC, is quick and easy with our expert mechanics ready to get your vehicle back on track. Our skilled technicians use advanced alignment equipment to ensure precise adjustments, improving your car’s handling, tire longevity, and overall safety. Whether you’ve noticed your vehicle pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, our team is here to help. You can schedule your wheel alignment service online or by giving us a call, and we’ll find a convenient time that fits your schedule. Visit Beach Ford today and let our professionals keep your car driving smoothly on the road.

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