Auto repair in Philadelphia, PA can be confusing if you don’t know the terms or much about vehicles and what they need. The good news is, there are trustworthy professionals who can help you. You may have heard about wheel alignment, but you might have also heard about front-end alignment. Are they the same thing? Well, mostly. A wheel alignment usually refers to all four wheels, like on four-wheel drive vehicles. Front-alignment is lining up the front two tires. Either way, you want your car to be properly aligned.
When your car is first manufactured, the wheels are adjusted, tested, and aligned to verification at the factory. Brand new cars should be properly aligned so you don’t have to worry about this repair at first. But over time, you will see that your wheels fall out of that perfect line.
There are various reasons why alignment can fall out of place, most of which have to do with driving conditions. If you drive on a road with a lot of potholes or bumps, that can knock that alignment out. Driving poorly can make things even worse. If you have a tendency to run into curbs, for example, that can have an impact on alignment.
You may not notice slight alignment issues, but as they worsen, you will see uneven wear on your tires. You might also notice your vehicle pulling to one side or the other when you are trying to go straight. You will have to replace tires sooner than expected if alignment is off.
There aren’t any warning lights that will show you that alignment is not quite right so the best way to prevent it is a regular check up with your auto repair specialist. When you get an oil change, have it checked, and you will have a vehicle that handles well. You might notice a vibrating steering wheel and that’s a good reason to have things checked out.
Having proper alignment is important to your car because it makes it drive the best and extends the life of your tires. The tires last longer, and the vehicle gives you a smoother ride. The wheels will point in the right direction, so you aren’t always having to correct the vehicle when you are trying to drive straight. The car will also use less energy, so you won’t have to get gas as often.
Overall, your vehicle operates in the safest, most efficient manner when the wheels are aligned. You will have an alignment done when you get new tires, but it should also be something to check in on when you have an auto repair in Philadelphia, PA in other areas. Contact the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center if your steering wheel is vibrating or if you notice the vehicle pulling in one direction or the tires wearing unevenly. These are good reasons to get the alignment checked, even before your next scheduled oil change and maintenance check. We’re here to help with advice and repairs whenever you need them.
