It is also very dangerous to completely remove your hand from the steering wheel. Instead, the vehicle should move straight on the steering wheel with minimal effort.
With all the advances in vehicle technology and performance, it is difficult to continue all the necessary maintenance and repairs. Proper wheel alignment is the most important criterion for driving your car safely and happily. Unfortunately, this is one of the most overlooked. Many people deal with the signs and symptoms of poor wheel alignment and often do not know that this is the easiest remedy. Here are five common signs that your vehicle may need adjustment.
1. Your steering wheel is not centered
If you are driving directly on a flat, bumpy road, your steering wheel should sit very close to the ground. A small variation is usually allowed depending on the crown of the road, but overall the wheel should be centered and straight, and your vehicle’s logo in the middle of the steering wheel should show you the level. If the wheel is centered more than a few degrees in both directions, it is time to align. This will center your steering wheel and can improve overall dryness.
2. Pull your vehicle to one side or the other
Like the first point, towing while driving on a straight level road is very easily noticed. A common misconception is that the vehicle should be driven directly from the steering wheel with your hands.
It is also very dangerous to completely remove your hand from the steering wheel. Instead, the vehicle should move straight on the steering wheel with minimal effort. If your car is pulled to one side or the other, it’s time to check and adjust your alignment, which usually adjusts the vehicle’s traction and improves overall dryness.
3. You will see unusual tire wear in some places
Tire wear patterns can provide a lot of useful information about the condition of the car. Qualified technicians can make educated guesses about tire wear patterns, suspension level and alignment issues. Wearing only on the inside or outside edges of the tire can indicate a problem in camber adjustment. Tire feathers or scalp often indicate a problem with the alignment of the legs. Tire wear is often seen by a mechanic during tire rotation or during service inspection. Proper alignment greatly extends the life of your tires, so if you have any unusual tire wear, adjustments should be made to your vehicle.
4. Handling feels light while driving
If the steering in your car feels a little loose or unstable, one of the possible reasons is poor wheel alignment. If you notice such symptoms, you should check and adjust the adjustment if necessary.
5. Your steering wheel will not return to the center
After completing the turn, the steering wheel should naturally start moving towards the rear center when you drive. To achieve this quickly, you need to keep your hands on the wheel to control the car, but if your steering wheel does not try to move itself back to the center, it is a good sign that your alignment is off. Perform a configuration test and complete alignment if necessary.
Improper wheel alignment can also cause many dryness and premature wear problems, so it is a good idea to inspect the vehicle as soon as it is noticed. While this is not a safety issue for your vehicle, saving your tires without wearing them in advance is often more than costly. If the alignment is checked at any time, all steering and suspension components should be checked as worn components are a common cause of deviations from the specification. After checking and adjusting the suspension, you will be pleasantly surprised at how well you are driving the car.