Wheel Alignments: The Benefits "OF"
And The Risks "OF NOT" Investing In Them When Needed
Why Are Wheel Alignments Important?
A wheel alignment keeps all the wheels pointing in the optimal direction, ensuring maximum contact with the road and balanced wear on the tires. This alignment preserves the vehicle’s efficiency, improves fuel economy, and extends its lifespan. For any driver who cares about safety, comfort, and savings, regular wheel alignments are essential maintenance.
At Ott's, we can't emphasize enough the value and importance of wheel alignments. They impact your vehicle’s performance, tire longevity, and many aspects of safety. Before we get into the symptoms of needing the procedure, here are three key standpoints most vehicle owners will readily understand:
1. Saving Money
  •    A wheel alignment directly impacts tire life. When wheels aren’t aligned, tires wear unevenly, and this uneven wear shortens their lifespan significantly. Proper alignment means your tires will last longer, saving you the cost of premature replacements.
  •    Better alignment also reduces strain on other parts, like the steering and suspension systems, which can be costly to repair. Avoiding these unnecessary repairs saves money over the life of the vehicle.
2. Safety
  •    Misaligned wheels can cause a vehicle to pull to one side, making it harder to handle and increasing the chance of an accident. Alignment helps ensure you have full control over steering and braking.
  •    It also affects stopping distance and the vehicle’s response in emergency situations. A properly aligned vehicle is more predictable on the road, which makes it safer for you and others.
3. Reducing Wear and Tear on Vehicle and Tires
  •    When wheels aren’t aligned, your tires drag rather than roll smoothly. This not only wears the tires unevenly but also puts stress on the vehicle’s suspension and steering components, wearing them out faster.
  •    A smooth ride means the vehicle parts work together harmoniously, reducing vibrations and road shock that could damage sensitive components.
Why Your NEW Tires NEED to be Accompanied by a Wheel Alignment
All too often, vehicle owners will purchase new tires, and perhaps in the name of saving money, they will decline to have a wheel alignment. Ott's highly recommends protecting your investment. However, if a customer elects to skip the wheel alignment after getting new tires, we feel obligated to remind them that even a minor misalignment can quickly lead to problems for that fresh set of tires.
Ultimately, the decision is up to the vehicle owner. But, in our experience, we have encountered many, many, customers who declined on the alignment and then months later, deeply regretted their decision due to developing and even extreme tire wear. It resulted in, once again, replacing the tires.
Listen To Your Vehicle: How Will I know When
I Need A Wheel Alignment?
Below are some of the symptoms that may indicate that your vehicle may be in need of a wheel alignment. If so, it may be time to visit your local auto service garage. A few telltale signs can help you know if it’s time to schedule an alignment.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear
  •    If you notice uneven wear patterns—like one side of the tire wearing down faster than the other—it’s often a sign of poor alignment. Regularly inspecting tires for this kind of wear can catch alignment issues early.
2. Vehicle Pulling to One Side
  •    If your car drifts or pulls to the left or right when driving on a straight road without steering input, it may indicate misalignment. Although slight pulling can also result from road conditions, consistently strong pulling signals alignment issues.
3. Steering Wheel Off-Center
  •    When driving straight, the steering wheel should sit level. If it’s noticeably off-center, that’s a classic symptom of misalignment.
4. Vibrations in the Steering Wheel
  •    Misaligned wheels may create vibrations, especially at higher speeds. Vibrations can also stem from other causes, but an alignment check should be one of the first steps in diagnosing it.
5. Noisy or Difficult Steering
  •    If the vehicle’s steering feels heavy or it becomes more challenging to steer, especially in a specific direction, or if you hear unusual sounds during turns, alignment could be the cause.
6. Routine Kilometers, Or Hitting Potholes, Or Other Driving Hazards
  •    Even if symptoms aren’t obvious, hitting potholes, curbs, or other rough terrain can knock wheels out of alignment. For this reason, it’s wise to check alignment periodically, particularly if you drive in areas with rough roads. Depending on where you live and how much driving you do, it's wise to consider semi-annual wheel alignments. You will dramatically improve tire longevity (tires are a significant investment) and create less stress on your suspension and steering.
7. Increased Risk of Tire Damage
  •    Misaligned wheels often cause tires to scrape or drag across the road instead of rolling smoothly. This can make them more vulnerable to punctures, cuts, and other types of damage, which compromises their integrity and safety.
8. Poor Performance and Reduced Traction
  •    Uneven wear reduces the tires’ ability to grip the road, which can affect handling, braking, and overall safety. Especially in adverse conditions like rain or snow, misaligned tires can’t perform at their best, putting the driver at risk.
9. Lower Fuel Efficiency
  •    Misalignment increases rolling resistance, which forces the vehicle to use more fuel to maintain speed. Over time, this means higher gas costs due to the misaligned tires, adding even more hidden costs.
AND, ONE LAST POINT: What Are You Riding On?
Quality Tires Are Always A Good Investment. Here's Why.
While our economy is experiencing a bit of uncertainty, it's sometimes tempting to go with what's cheapest. Not all tires are created equal. True, they are all round and black, but they do not ride or wear the same. If you need to replace your tires, give us a call at Ott's and we can help you find the best value for your budget and make sure you'll get the quality you need at a competitive price. There is a huge difference between the wearability and longevity of the tires and brands available out there. Let us help you get what you need.
If You're Overdue For An Alignment ... Give Us A Call
If you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, perhaps you need to find out what they mean. Visiting a trusted garage like Ott’s Auto for an alignment appraisal will alleviate some of your worry or concerns. We'll be glad to help. Remember, It can and will prevent further wear and ensure a smoother, safer drive going forward.
