09.13.2024

Car Care 101: How Often Do You Need a Car Alignment Check?

Home >> Car Care 101: How Often Do You Need a Car Alignment Check?

For most people, it’s only when you get behind the wheel of your own vehicle for the first time that the question comes up: how often should I check my car alignment? And what is that, anyway?

It’s all about the wheels and suspension. Proper alignment affects just about every aspect of driving: handling, fuel efficiency, and even how fast your tires wear down. Your wheels need to be correctly aligned to the road and each other to ensure your tires perform at their best.

Recognize The Red Flags: Signs Your Vehicle Might Need an Alignment

If you find your car pulls left or right when you accelerate without your hands on the wheel, that’s the most obvious sign that something is amiss. By the same token, if your steering wheel isn’t straight when you’re driving straight ahead, something’s up.

Feeling some strange vibrations coming through your steering wheel? Seems like your car isn’t handling as well as it used to? Noticing some uneven wear on your tires? Time to get checked!

How Often Should You Get Your Car Aligned?

As a general rule of thumb, even if you haven’t noticed any signs, you should bring your vehicle in every two to three years. Certainly, getting new tires is always a good opportunity for a review. Some say you should have it assessed as often as you change your oil to be on the safe side. The right answer for you and your vehicle depends on how, where, and what you drive.

#1 Driving Habits

Do you spend more time on the city streets than on the freeway? Then you might need to get your alignment checked more frequently. If you’ve accidentally hit a curb, a check is a good idea.

#2 Road Conditions

If the roads aren’t great where you live and drive, your wheels will need to be checked more often. Rough terrain and potholes challenge the suspension, so it needs some extra care.

#3 Your Vehicle

Driving an older model? Ask your local automotive repair services for a personalized recommendation. They can inspect your suspension – because even if your car is relatively new, if the suspension has taken a beating, it’ll need more attention.

FAQs

How long does an alignment take? A good auto body shop can have you in and out in an hour, depending on the condition of your car.

Do I still have to get checked even if there aren’t any problems? Definitely! Your mechanic may be able to catch a problem before it becomes noticeable and starts doing more damage to your car.

Does alignment affect my fuel efficiency? Yes – bad wheel alignment affects your vehicle’s handling and drag, which means it consumes more fuel.
What’s the difference between a wheel balance and tire alignment? An alignment ensures that your tires come into contact with the road correctly. The wheel balance is all about your vehicle’s weight distribution. Both are important!

Keep Your Wheels in Check: Schedule Your Tire Alignment With Coastal

For safe, efficient driving, knowing how often you should check your car alignment is essential. When your car is properly aligned, it performs at its best. You even get better fuel consumption!

What are you waiting for? Get in touch to book your car in for a comprehensive checkup from our expert team.