Get Your Wheels Aligned Before You Hit The Road This Summer

Why Are Wheel Alignments Important?

If there has been a consistent message coming from the Downtown Tyee Chevrolet Buick GMC Service Department, it’s that winter is hard on your car, truck or SUV. One of the most important things you can do while you’re getting your vehicle out of winter driving mode is to check your wheel alignments. This needs to be at or near the top of the list. So, why are wheel alignments important? Wheels that are out of alignment can cause handling issues and tire damage. Let’s take a look at a few more things that may be important to vehicle owners.

READ MORE: Schedule Service With Us Today

What Does Wheel Alignment Do?

A wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels so they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road. This ensures your car drives straight, handles properly, and maximizes tire life.

Alignment adjustments focus on three key angles:

• Camber – The inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Improper camber can cause uneven tire wear.
• Toe – The direction your tires point relative to each other. If your wheels are angled inward or outward too much, it can lead to excessive tire wear and poor handling.
• Caster – The angle of your steering axis, which affects stability and steering effort.

Why Do You Need Wheel Alignments?

Your vehicle’s wheels are the only connection you have with the ground. This is where handling and stopping performance begins. Wheel alignments are important because:

• Extends Tire Life – Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear, leading to premature replacement. A proper alignment helps your tires wear evenly, saving you money in the long run.
• Improves Fuel Efficiency – When your wheels are out of alignment, your tires experience more resistance, making your engine work harder. A proper alignment can help improve your gas mileage.
• Enhances Safety & Handling – A vehicle with poor alignment may pull to one side, making it harder to control, especially in emergencies. Proper alignment ensures smooth handling and stability.

When Do You Need A Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignments are necessary for every vehicle, but the service interval can vary. Most industry experts suggest getting your wheels aligned every 9,600 km to 16,000 km. Other situations that might require an alignment include:

• Hitting a curb, pothole, or collision with another car
• Notice uneven tire wear
• Car pulling to one side
• Steering wheel needs to be turned to drive straight
• Suspension repair

If you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with a Downtown Tyee Service Department today for wheel alignments or anything else your vehicle might need.