It doesn’t take much to throw off the alignment of your car’s wheels. A bump against a curb, driving over rough terrain, or simple wear can cause your wheels to either point towards each other a little or out the sides, which puts a lot of extra strain on your vehicle. Below are some answers to common wheel alignment questions, so you can detect a problem before they become serious issues.

4 Common Questions About Wheel Alignments

1. What Problems Does Poor Alignment Cause?

For starters, misaligned wheels will cause your tires to wear out faster, potentially resulting in dangerous blowouts. Because the engine has to work a little harder to make your vehicle go in a straight line, you’ll probably also get lower gas mileage. If it’s not corrected early, poor wheel alignment can also damage your steering and might even lead to mechanical failure.

2. What Are the Signs of Poor Alignment?

The first and most obvious sign is your car pulling to one side when you’re driving. Some other problems can also cause pulling, but wheel alignment is the most common and easiest to fix.

3. Why Does It Happen?

Sometimes driving against a curb or hitting a deep pothole can knock your wheels out of alignment, but regular wear and tear is the most common culprit. As your suspension settles and the springs begin to wear out, your wheels will have to be adjusted to compensate.

4. How Often Should I Check the Wheel Alignment?

Ideally, you should have your alignment checked every 12,000 miles or so, but the ideal schedule depends a lot on the vehicle you drive and the driving conditions where you live. The alignment should also be checked after you get new tires, have your struts replaced, or have any other work done that can impact your suspension.

Whether you’ve been in an accident or just need expert auto maintenance, Murray's Auto Body Shop has the services you need and a reputation you can trust. Since 1953, their highly skilled technicians have kept Goshen, NY drivers safe with high-quality work and fair prices on every job. Visit their website to see an overview of their services, follow their Facebook for more auto tips, or call (845) 294-6139 to make an appointment today.