Unexpectedly, accidents—even small ones—can do more harm to your car than you might think. Your auto alignment is one important area that requires emergency care following an accident. Wheel misalignment can result in dangerous driving circumstances, more tyre wear, and expensive repairs. We will go over the importance of aligning your car after a collision in this article, along with providing you with a thorough driver’s checklist. It is not just about safety to make sure your wheels are properly aligned after an accident; it is also about money savings and long-term car maintenance.
Why Checking Auto Alignment is Crucial After an Accident
You can experience improved handling, a smoother ride, and longer tyre life when your car’s wheels are appropriately aligned. However, your wheels can readily become misaligned in even a small collision. The area that poses the most risk? It is not always simple to identify misaligned wheels unless you know what symptoms to watch out for. Ignoring this problem may lead to even more fuel use, greater tyre wear, and poor handling. Following an accident, you should check your car’s alignment right away to make sure it drives safely and efficiently.
Top Signs Your Auto Alignment is Off After a Crash
Although it can be difficult to identify alignment problems, certain indicators following an accident should be taken seriously. Here are the most prevalent indicators that your vehicle alignment might be off:
- Pulling to one side: When driving straight, if your automobile drifts left or right, it is obvious that your alignment is incorrect.
- Steering wheel vibration: Your wheels cannot be correctly aligned if your steering wheel vibrates, especially while you are moving quickly.
- Steering wheel crookedness: Your alignment is probably impacted if the steering wheel is not aligned when driving straight.
- Uneven tyre wear: Examine your tyres if there is uneven wear. Poor alignment is frequently indicated by uneven wear patterns.
- Tyre noise: Pay attention to any odd tyre noises you hear when driving, particularly at slower speeds. This can indicate alignment issues.
Immediate Effects of Poor Auto Alignment
In addition to being annoying, driving with bad alignment puts you in danger. This is why it is so important to deal with alignment difficulties right away:
- Decreased safety and control: When wheels are out of alignment, it becomes harder to steer the car, especially when stopping quickly or going fast. Both your safety and the safety of other drivers are put at risk by this.
- Increased tyre wear: Uneven tyre wear from misaligned wheels might result in early tyre replacement.
- Reduced fuel efficiency: Tire misalignment puts an additional drag on your tyres, which makes your automobile use more gasoline than it has to.
Step-by-Step Checklist: How to Check Your Auto Alignment Post-Accident
Even while hiring an auto-alignment near-me specialist is the ideal course of action, you can perform some basic tests on your own. To make sure that an accident does not affect your car’s alignment, follow these measures.
Step 1: Take a Car Test
Take your car for a careful test drive after an accident. Keep an eye on the car’s behaviour. Does it have a sideways pull? Are you noticing any strange sounds? Is the steering wheel misaligned or trembling? These are early indicators that anything might be wrong with your auto alignment.
Step 2: Examine Your Tires Visually
You can learn a lot about your car’s alignment from its tyres. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear or damage. Your wheels are probably mismatched if there is more noticeable tread wear on one side of the vehicle. Also, check your tyre pressure; poor pressure can occasionally simulate alignment concerns.
Step 3: Check the Distance Between Wheels
Take out a measuring tape and measure the separation between the front and rear wheels of your car. Your car’s alignment is likely wrong if the measurements vary. You can determine whether or not your wheels are aligned with this simple examination.
Step 4: Utilize an Auto Alignment Gauge
You may measure the angles of your wheels with an alignment gauge for a more accurate examination. If your wheels are within the manufacturer’s recommended alignment criteria, the gauge will let you know. It is important to contact a reputable alignment store like Saw Mill Auto Alignment if you lack confidence in using an alignment gauge.
Step 5: Arrange for an Expert Auto Alignment Inspection
It seems sensible to get a professional alignment check done even if your car passes your initial examination. At Saw Mill Auto Alignment, we evaluate the camber, caster, and toe angles of your car using cutting-edge equipment. Our professionals can adjust your wheels if they need to be adjusted.
Delaying Auto Alignment Repairs Can Cost You
It can be expensive to put off doing an alignment check after an accident. The suspension, steering, and tyres of your car are put under more strain when the wheels are misaligned. For the following three reasons, you should never put off taking care of your vehicle alignment problems:
- Avoid costly repairs: Ignoring your alignment can cause long-term harm to the steering and suspension parts of your car, necessitating costly repairs.
- Increased tyre life: Even tyre wear is ensured by proper alignment, which makes your tyres last longer.
- Improved fuel economy: Friction is reduced by properly aligned wheels, increasing fuel efficiency.
What Happens During a Professional Auto Alignment Service?
Here’s what to anticipate if you have never had an alignment check done on your vehicle at a place like Saw Mill Auto Alignment:
Tyre and suspension inspection: Initially, the technician will look for any obvious damage to your tyres, suspension, or steering parts.
Calculating the alignment angles The technician will measure the wheel angles of your car using specialized equipment and compare the results to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Modifications: To reestablish correct alignment, the technician may need to modify the wheel angles.
- Last test drive: The mechanic will test-drive the vehicle after making the necessary changes to ensure proper alignment.
How Often Should You Check Auto Alignment?
You can examine your alignment without waiting for an accident to happen. Checking alignment frequently can stop more serious problems from arising. The frequency of vehicle alignment checks is as follows:
- Following an incident: Any form of collision, no matter how slight, can impact your alignment.
- With New Tries: When installing new tyres, it is crucial to have your alignment checked to guarantee uniform wear.
- Annually: As part of your regular auto maintenance, it is a good idea to arrange for a professional alignment check at least once a year.
As soon as you experience symptoms: If you see any of the above-listed symptoms, get your alignment examined without delay.
Why Saw Mill Auto Alignment is Your Go-To Shop
Our goal at Saw Mill Auto Alignment is to maintain your vehicle in optimal condition. Modern tools are used by our skilled specialists to identify and fix alignment problems. We can take care of you whether you require routine maintenance or have been in an accident.
Why Select Auto Alignment for Saw Mills?
Technicians with experience: We have the know-how to work on cars of all makes and models.
Precision technology: To guarantee accuracy, we make use of the newest alignment machines.
Customer satisfaction: Our key concerns are your satisfaction and safety.
Conclusion: Keep Your Car Safe with Regular Auto Alignment Checks
Avoid letting a misaligned wheel become an expensive repair or, worse, a safety risk. It is crucial to have your auto-aligned after an accident to maintain safe and smooth driving. Whether done as part of regular maintenance or following an accident, routine alignment checks will guarantee your car operates at its peak efficiency and save you money on future repairs.
For professional alignment services that can keep your wheels straight and your car safe, visit Saw Mill Auto Alignment right now.
FAQs
1. What happens if I don’t fix my alignment?
Misaligned wheels will cause uneven tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and unsafe driving conditions. Over time, it can lead to costly repairs to your suspension and steering.
2. How long does an auto-alignment take?
A typical alignment service takes about an hour, but it can vary depending on the vehicle and any additional repairs needed.
3. Can I drive with misaligned wheels?
It’s not advisable. Driving with poor alignment can reduce your control over the vehicle, especially in emergencies, and increase the likelihood of an accident.
4. Is alignment necessary after every accident?
Yes, even minor fender benders can affect your car’s alignment, so it’s always a good idea to have it checked after any accident.