The easiest way to knock your wheels out of alignment is to hit a road hazard too fast. It is important that you pay attention to the road surface and slow down when you approach a hazard. You can tell that your wheels have been knocked out of alignment if your vehicle pulls to the side. The wheels are also misaligned if your steering wheel logo is crooked.
Accidents
You can slow down for road hazards, but you can always avoid an automobile accident. As such, it’s important to have the wheel alignment checked after you have been involved in an incident. Even if the incident was minor, the wheel still may have been knocked out of alignment depending on how you were hit. You may also have unseen suspension damage.
Bumps
Another thing that will knock your wheels out of alignment is flying over bumps and speed bumps in the road. It is important that you slow down and take these bumps carefully. If you hit them too hard, you could knock the wheel alignment off and also damage the suspension.
Construction
Construction zone speed limits are slower to protect the workers. It is important to heed the speed limits to protect your wheel alignment, as well. The pavement tends to be uneven and construction zones, and you may have to drive over road covers.
Curbs
Don’t be embarrassed if you have a bad habit of hitting curbs; just slow down. We will hit curbs when turning around corners or parallel parking. The problem is that when you make contact with the curb, you push the wheel inward. As such, slow down when turning around corners, and make sure to take it easy when you parallel park. Try to avoid the curbs.
Markers
Another thing that all of us have hit is the markers at the end of parking spaces. This is why it is an excellent idea to pull into the space carefully so you have plenty of time to stop before your wheels make contact with the cement marker.
Potholes
Finally, potholes are a nightmare no matter how you slice it. They can wreak havoc on your wheel alignment. When you drive through a pothole, the wheels are jolted in several different directions. Unfortunately, this not only affects the wheels but also your vehicle’s suspension. In fact, if you drive through a pothole too fast, you could crack an axle.
We would be happy to realign your wheels if they need it. Call us today so we can set up a service appointment that is convenient for your schedule.
