A vehicle’s wheels have a specific layout, with two wheels sharing the same axle. If one wheel goes out of alignment, the vehicle will suffer from poor performance. The best way to prevent misalignment is to understand the causes of misalignment in your wheels and how to avoid them. Read on to learn more about potential hazards that could cause misalignment, and discover how to keep your wheels even and steady on the road.
Potholes and Speedbumps
Roads are flawed, and potholes can damage your car when driving over them. The sudden jarring from the dip in the road can cause the wheels to become misaligned as the suspension pushes the wheel down and the vehicle places too much weight onto it.
Avoid potholes as much as possible by driving around them without your wheels making contact. Hitting speedbumps is another common cause of wheel misalignment, despite being a safety measure on the road. Moving too fast over a speed bump will cause the front and back wheels to feel the sudden shock, potentially damaging the suspension. Gently roll over speed bumps at five MPH to avoid damage to the vehicle and keep the wheels in good shape.
A Worsening Suspension System
Your vehicle’s suspension system needs regular maintenance to ensure the weight of the vehicle doesn’t damage the wheels and throw the axles off-balance. If you notice a misalignment in the wheels despite driving carefully, the suspension may be the cause. Insect the suspension for damage, such as rust or chipped parts that may have occurred while driving.
Take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them inspect the suspension and the misaligned wheels. Misalignments are common problems a vehicle computer diagnostics test will reveal. Fortunately, misalignment is an easy fix for experts. Relying on an automotive expert is a great way to fix your vehicle’s misalignment issues and get you back on the road.
Poor Weight Distribution
The average car weighs thousands of pounds, and when that weight shifts to a specific wheel, it can cause it to misalign with the other. An even weight distribution is essential for a car’s function; without it, the vehicle would require more repairs to the wheels.
Take care of your vehicle’s suspension system to ensure it doesn’t damage the wheels and place too much pressure on them when driving. In order to reduce the change of misalignment, avoid adding too much weight to one side of the vehicle. Keeping the wheels in good shape will ensure good performance on the road. Remember these causes of misaligned wheels to prevent them from occurring, and drive more consciously for the sake of your vehicle.
