Drivers often focus on tyre quality, but alignment is just as important. Without it, even the best tyres won’t last long. Poor tyre alignment doesn’t just wear out your tyres faster; it puts your safety, comfort, and wallet at risk. However, to spot the issues of wheel alignment in time, you need to check for the key warning signs.
This blog will cover 7 clear indicators to watch out for before minor issues become expensive problems.
Highlights
This article will discuss signs of poor wheel alignment.
- Uneven Tyre Wear
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side
- Off-Centre Steering Wheel
- Tyre Squealing
- Vibrating Steering Wheel
- High Fuel Consumption
- Understeer/ Oversteer
Pulling to One Side
Check for wheel misalignment on the road with little traffic. While driving, release your hand from the steering wheel, and if the vehicle goes off to either side, it indicates misalignment. Sometimes, minor misalignment and a vehicle’s pull to one side are not noticeable at low speeds. However, it is easily detectable at a higher speed and can cause the car to wander out of its lane on the road.
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Tyre Edge Wear
Uneven tyre wear doesn’t show up right away, but you may notice that the car feels less stable than before. If the inner side of the front tyres wears off faster than the outer side, the alignment is off.
This results in quick tyre replacements, which can be very expensive.
Off-Centre Steering Wheel
A well-aligned car moves smoothly on the road, and you can check this while driving straight. The wheel will be straight, and the car logo on the steering wheel will be upright.
However, when the alignment is off, you must keep the steering tilted to go straight. In this case, you will continuously put pressure on the wheel. Slowly but surely, the steering will become less responsive, and you will need to take your car for expensive repairs.
Also Read: Car Accident Body Repair: Step-by-Step Guide
Tyre Squealing
Proper alignment allows tyres to roll smoothly across the road surface. However, an alignment issue causes tyres to scrub against the road at the wrong angle. Such a scrub creates a sharp screeching sound.
Such noise becomes highly noticeable when taking sharp turns or parking in a difficult spot. It indicates the buildup of a higher level of friction between tyres and the road.
Vibrating Steering Wheel
When wheels lose proper alignment, tyres drag unevenly, it creates an imbalance, and causes the steering to vibrates. Drivers feel this shaking most at higher speeds, where control and stability matter most.
Misalignment often causes tyre scuffs, rim damage, or even minor car body issues. Reduced control can also result in a collision with another vehicle or road dividers. It leaves scratches on the car, adding to repair expenses.
High Fuel Consumption
If you notice more frequent trips to the fuel station than usual, it could result from wheel alignment issues. The tyres drag against the road instead of rolling smoothly, making the engine work harder. This extra effort increases fuel use and reduces the car’s average fuel-to-mileage ratio.
Read Also: Warning Signs Your Car Needs Urgent Repairs
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Understeer / Oversteer
Oversteer and understeer impacts a vehicle’s response to steering and can have serious consequences if ignored. If you steer to take a turn, but the car goes straight, it is called understeering. The vehicle’s front end will feel like slipping or losing grip. This issue is highly noticeable on roundabouts where you are constantly turning.
With oversteer, the car turns more than intended, creating the feel of a spin. It is usually the result of uneven tyre wear and can become dangerous on wet roads or at high speeds.
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Final Thoughts
Poor wheel alignment makes tyres wear out unevenly and lose grip. It can also cause blowouts on wet roads. If your car pulls to one side, the steering and suspension get extra strain, which raises the chance of accidents and costly repairs. Poor alignment also wastes fuel and makes wheel handling worse. Therefore, you should alway get your tyre alignment checked by professionals to stay safe on road and save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indeed, misaligned wheels are capable of leading to an accident. Poor alignment results in less responsive and less predictable steering. The most frequent situation is the car going sideways while making a turn or overtaking on a highway. Such a situation can cause a crash of great severity.
To keep the car operating properly and the tyres in good condition, wheel alignment should be checked at least once per year. On the other hand, if you see the uneven tyre wear, feel vibrations, or the car pulls to one side, then take the car for wheel alignment before the schedule. Regular check-ups allow you to keep away from bigger car problems and ensure a smoother drive.
Definitely, even a minor collision, falling into a pothole, or a kerb strike can change the angles of your suspension. It can result in wheel misalignment. Find a good body repair shop near London to be safe and restore your car to its original condition.
Perfect Wheel Alignment, Save Drive
Wheel misalignment wears out your tyres and can cause scratches, dents, and rim damage. Our auto body shop in London specialises in restoring your car’s appearance. Book your cosmetic repair today.
