If you have ever driven a car that didn’t have proper wheel alignment, then you are familiar with the symptoms that make driving not as enjoyable. Many bonuses can come from keeping your vehicle’s alignment straight. Let’s take a look at the four compelling reasons why you need to have an arrangement done. The best part, some of these will save you money!
Improve Fuel Economy
A noticeable advantage when you have a wheel alignment service done is vehicle fuel usage improves significantly. Many drivers are unaware that their wheel alignment can, in fact, have some bearing on their overall fuel economy. When a tire isn’t traveling in a straight line, there will be more resistance. It is called rolling tire resistance. When your tire alignment is off the engine will have to work harder. The higher the strength, the more an engine will need ample fuel to overcome the added strain.
Reduce Wear on Suspension Parts
Having improper wheel alignment and balancing can damage your suspension parts. Driving for too long with a lousy adjustment can put a strain on the tie rod ends, ball joints, cv joints, or the wheel bearings. Once you start to hear funny sounds coming from the front end of your car, this is a sure sign that damage has been done, and parts will need to be replaced. By having an alignment done quickly, these suspension parts will be saved from further wear. In turn, this will save you money.
Extend The Life Of Your Tires
While tires do run down over time, with a bad alignment, you can guarantee the replacement of tires will happen much faster. Signs that a wheel alignment is affecting your tires is uneven wear. Whether the wear is on the inside or outside, there will be a noticeable difference in the tread. It is estimated that merely a few thousand miles on a bad tire alignment can take new tires to the point of needing to be replaced. Having an alignment service and balancing service is recommended each time you buy new tires. Prices for tires aren’t cheap, and having to replace them prematurely can become expensive.
Improves Driving Experience
Lastly, the driving experience will improve tremendously. After a car wheel alignment, the steering wheel will be straight, and the car will no longer drive to one side. It makes driving more relaxed, and more enjoyable.
Conclusion
A simple service such as a wheel alignment can save hundred in repairs on a vehicle, and fuel. It is a no-brainer why having one done is essential to the not just your pocketbook but also the ride quality of the car.
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My husband noticed that his truck seems to be off-balance and he is thinking of getting a professional wheel alignment. I had no idea that there are so many benefits like the fact that it can actually improve your fuel economy because your engine does not have to work as hard when the wheels are aligned. Also, the fact that it will extend the life of our tires will actually save us money in the long-run.
I’m glad you pointed out that if your tires are out of alignment, it could end up reducing your fuel economy due to the rolling tire resistance. I’ve noticed my tire alignment has felt a little off lately, but I thought it was an inconvenience more than anything. I didn’t realize I was losing money by driving out of alignment, so thanks for letting me know!