protecting your car's finish from tree damage

In order for your vehicle to work properly, there are many moving parts that must continue to work together seamlessly. When your vehicle's tire alignment is off, it could potentially compromise your vehicle's stability and your—as well as other's—safety on the road. If you believe that your tires may be imbalanced, it is important that you are aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can take your vehicle to a nearby auto repair shop. Here are three signs that your vehicle needs an auto alignment as soon as possible.

Sign #1: Your Steering Wheel Is Shaky

There are many things that can result in your tire alignment being thrown off, such as a rear-end collision, hitting a curb, and potholes. If your vehicle has recently been involved any of these, then your tires may be off-balance, resulting in a vibrating steering wheel.

Sign #2: Your Tires Have Uneven Tread

When your ties are properly aligned, the tread will wear evenly—as long as you are rotating them regularly. If they are not properly aligned, then certain areas of the tires may wear out sooner than others, requiring replacement more frequently. When tires are wearing unevenly, they are unable to grip the road as well as they should, which increases the risk of a potential auto accident. Therefore, it is crucial that you inspect your tires frequently for uneven tread, especially if you are concerned that there may be a problem. If you notice inconsistencies in the tread, contact a local auto repair shop immediately.

Sign #3: Your Vehicle Is Veering One Way or the Other

There are a couple of different reasons why your vehicle may be veering to one side or the other. First, it could be a result of having underinflated tires. So, first, check to ensure that your tires are properly inflated. If they are, then the problem is more than likely your alignment. If you are constantly battling to keep your vehicle straight on the road when you are driving, then the alignment is definitely your issue. This can be very dangerous, especially if you are driving at higher speeds, such as on the Interstate. Take your vehicle to an auto service shop as they will be able to determine the exact source of the issue and provide you with repair solutions.

For more information on auto alignment repair, contact a local auto repair shop.