5 Signs and Symptoms of a Wrong Wheel Alignment

What's the worst that may happen to the wheels on your car? What else is there except poorly maintained roads? Wheel alignment issues are a serious issue that may put you in danger while also lowering your fuel economy and tyre tread. A tiny thud or pothole, on the other hand, might cause the wheel to become imbalanced.

You might question, "How can I tell whether I need an alignment?" Even if you drive on a smooth, well-maintained road and have a clean driving record, get the alignment checked every 6,000 miles.

Properly balanced wheels will protect your tyres, save you money on fuel, and give outstanding drivability. Improper balanced wheels can result in a failed MOT test, so check your MOT test certificate to see how long my MOT status is valid for and address the problem before scheduling your MOT testing service.

Let's take a look at the symptoms of bad wheel alignment. Knowing what they are can help you maintain the vehicle's condition:

1. Your Car Is Pulling to the Left or Right on a Smooth Road - If you're having difficulties keeping your vehicle straight, take it to a technician to have the wheels examined. A vehicle with a wheel issue will lean in one direction on a level road. To be sure, remove your hands off the wheel and look for a tiny left or right drift on an empty road.

2. Abnormally Worn-Out Tyres - All tyres have a standard lifespan after which they begin to wear out. However, when it comes to incorrect wheel alignment, the signs are different. Due to a lack of tyre rotation, tyre tread thins down most of the time. In such cases, cupping may be visible on the outside edges of the front tyres. On the other hand, if the alignment is off, you may observe substantial wear on both the outer and inner edges. Complete a MOT history checker of your car online to see if the tyres were the cause of a previous failed MOT test.

3. Sloppy or Hard Wheels- Both are dangerous, especially on a congested roadway or a route with numerous twists. There might be a problem with the suspension components if the wheels feel loose or aren't holding up firmly when turning. However, in the vast majority of cases, incorrect wheel alignment is at blame. Similarly, the same problem might be to blame for jerky steering. To save time and worry, search online for check my MOT history to establish the expiry date and book your car in with a garage that does MOTs, vehicle service and repairs.

4. The Steering Wheel Vibrates While Driving - A vibration occurs when the wheel alignment is out of balance. When a car impacts a pothole or collides with anything, the wheels are knocked out of their original position. The shaking, on the other hand, might be caused by a number of serious problems, such as warped brake discs, damaged suspension components, and mismatched tyres.

5. Unusual Noises - A improper alignment noise will imply displaced wheels. You should pay attention if your automobile makes a creaking, pounding, or squeaking sounds. Suspension problems, loose or damaged components, and poor wheel alignment are all possible causes of strange noises emanating from beneath a car.

Is it Really That Important to Align Your Wheels?

Yes, it's a resounding yes. Because of good wheel alignment, your tyres will last longer, your car will drive smoother, you will be able to turn smoothly in the right direction, and you will pass the MOT test. Furthermore, your car will use less energy to reach its destination, saving you a significant amount of money on fuel.

Your car was pre-programmed with specific angles that properly put your tyres when it left the factory. There's a reasonable explanation for this. Your car must be exactly aligned in order to travel in the correct direction. Misalignment can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and shorter tyre life once again. It is pricey to change tyres, but it is not to keep them aligned, so you know what to do.