Maintaining total control of your vehicle is an essential aspect of staying safe on the road—and few automotive issues can have a bigger impact on your handling and tire wear than tire alignment. As the team at Kalispell Alignment & Auto Repair in Kalispell, MT explains, keeping your tires in proper alignment is an essential part of vehicle maintenance.

When your car drifts to one side or the steering wheel doesn’t seem to stay centered, there is a high chance that your tires are no longer properly aligned—especially if you’ve recently hit a pothole or run into the curb. These types of collisions may not seem particularly problematic, but they can be jarring enough to knock the wheels out of alignment. Consistently driving over rough roads—even if you avoid major potholes—can also cause alignment problems.

A car that pulls to one side isn’t necessarily the result of poor tire alignment. If you haven’t recently hit a pothole or curb, under-inflated tires may be to blame. Check to make sure your tires are properly inflated, as this could resolve the issue. However, if you notice uneven or excessive tire wear, a tire alignment issue is a likely culprit behind your control issues.

In addition to the above situations, you should always schedule a tire alignment after you install new tires on your vehicle. This ensures that you’ll enjoy good handling and that your tires will wear evenly. Continuing to check your alignment on a yearly basis will keep your vehicle driving straight.

Whether you need to schedule tire alignment or an oil change, the team at Kalispell Alignment & Auto Repair will provide expert service to help you maintain your vehicle. With more than 25 years of experience, their ASE-certified technicians will keep your vehicle running smoothly. To learn more about their auto repair and maintenance services, visit them online or call (406) 755-0234.