When You Should Have Your Axles Aligned

Your vehicle's axles help ensure that its wheels and tires are in the ideal position for optimal tire performance, which provides you with the best traction and longest possible tire life. When working on your car, technicians in our service department at Carson City Hyundai use alignment machines that evaluate the axles using precise measuring technology. If necessary, they can then improve their configurations. These professionals will center the steering wheel and analyze and adjust several suspension angles, including the camber, caster, thrust, and toe, all of which affect the car's tire position.

Hitting a curb, running over a large bump or pothole, or other driving incidents that impact the angles of the tires may all put your car out of alignment. An axle alignment can fix this, involving squaring the car's axles and wheels, so they all move in the same direction, allowing for even tire wear and optimal driver handling. This can help you prevent dangerous situations that can occur as a result of impaired steering or premature tire wear.

What Happens If You Don't Have an Axle Alignment?

If there's an issue with the axles on your vehicle and you don't have an axle alignment, it can cause premature and uneven wear on your tires. This may not sound serious, but it can cause your tires to be unsafe, making driving your vehicle more dangerous. It will also impact your car's suspension and steering capabilities. Without proper wheel alignment, you run the risk of blowing a tire or causing extensive damage to your vehicle.

This means it's important to correct alignment issues as soon as they arise, so if you notice any irregularities in your vehicle's handling, contact a technician as soon as possible. It's significantly cheaper to get an axle alignment than replace all your tires, so this process can also help you save money while staying safe.

Are There Other Types of Alignment?

There are several types of axle alignment, and the one you need usually depends on the type of vehicle you have and its suspension. If you have an all-wheel-drive or a front-wheel-drive vehicle with independent or adjustable rear suspension, you'll need a technician to perform a four-wheel alignment. If your vehicle isn't all-wheel or four-wheel-drive, you may only need a thrust-angle alignment or a front-end alignment. A thrust-angle alignment adjusts the angle of the rear wheels related to the center of the car. Alternatively, a front-end alignment only requires a technician to adjust the front-axle components.

What Are the Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alignment?

You might notice when your car is out of alignment if you know what to look for to help you identify the issue. Here are some signs to keep an eye out for that indicate your vehicle needs an axle alignment:

• Crooked steering wheel: If you're driving straight down the road and notice that your steering wheel's crooked, this may be a sign that your car is out of alignment.
• Pulling to the left or right: It may feel like your steering wheel pulls to the left or right as you drive if your car needs an alignment.
• Noisy tires: Noticing that your tires are squealing may indicate that you have an issue with your axle.
• Audible steering: If you hear your steering wheel make noises as you drive, particularly when navigating a turn, you may want to contact a technician to check out the car's axles.

When Should You Have an Axle Alignment?

If you notice any of the signs that your vehicle may be out of alignment, it's time to bring your vehicle to one of our trained and experienced technicians at Carson City Hyundai. Our team may also ask you a few questions to learn more about the situation and the condition of your vehicle, including:

• When did you notice the issue? A technician may ask you this question to help identify the cause; for example, they may want to know if it started after you hit a curb or drove over a large pothole. The more they know about the situation, the easier it may be to find a solution.
• How frequently does the issue occur? If you notice that your steering wheel pulls to the right or left, or it's crooked when you drive straight ahead, your technician may ask you how often this issue occurs. This can help them understand if you only notice it pull in certain weather conditions or on particular terrain.
• Have you recently had the tires rotated or added air to them? If you don't rotate tires often enough or keep them incorrectly inflated, it may lead to uneven or premature tire wear, which can put your vehicle out of alignment.
• Have you replaced the suspension, steering parts, or tires? Previous maintenance may contribute to your current issues, so it's important to discuss whether you've replaced the suspension, steering parts, or tires on your vehicle

If you have any questions about your vehicle's axles, or you'd like to schedule a service appointment after noticing differences in your car's handling, make sure to contact us at Carson City Hyundai. We understand that your time is valuable, so we offer a variety of express service appointments to help you handle your maintenance needs and get you back on the road as soon as possible. Our knowledgeable technicians are eager to help, so stop by our dealership to discuss the condition of your car and get the service you need to feel safe behind the wheel.