How to Know if Your Car Is Due for a Wheel Alignment

ftraven on 05/02/2021 - 20:12
Last edited 31/08/2021 - 10:50 by 2 other users

Hi guys, here are some good tips on how to decide whether your car is due to wheel alignment. If you have further concern, please comment below :D

The steering wheel steer off the center

If you're driving an off-center wheel even if it's only over a few degrees in either direction – it's a simple indicator that your vehicle needs a wheel alignment.

Doing so can bring the car's steering wheel back to the center. It will also boost the overall driving efficiency of your car

The car moves sharply in one direction

If you're driving and your car is pulling to one side of the lane, it's an easy signal that you need to check and correct the wheel alignment of your vehicle.

Uneven or abnormal tire wear

Check the tires and check if there is wear on the outside or inside edges of the tire. If yes, this is a direct indicator of the issue of camber adjustment.

The mechanic often notices tire wear while undertaking repair, inspection, and tire rotation. If you are checking abnormal wear patterns in your car tires, you should start thinking about having a wheel alignment on your car. Apart from good tire alignment, it also offers other advantages, including longer tire life and even tire wear. (This sign is common on most car brands, including Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi and many more)

Handling the car feels loose

It might feel sloppy or very unstable around the corners. If you're experiencing it in your car, if you're turning or going straight, it's time to check the alignment of your vehicle's wheel and correct it accordingly.

The steering wheel doesn’t return to the center

In this case, you will have to get it checked and, if required, make a full alignment.

Vibrations on steering wheel

More often, this is because of unbalanced tires, but it can also be a sign that your vehicle is due for a wheel alignment. When it comes to alignment problems, the vibration is the result of the tires pulling in the opposite directions of each other.

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Comments

  • Downvoter on 05/02/2021 - 20:59
    +1

    Ozalignment coming through with the goods

  • salrock on 05/02/2021 - 21:36

    Nah am good .I steer the steering wheel using my belly .

  • MS Paint on 05/02/2021 - 21:53

    My Tesla steers itself and is yet to complain about any of the above.

    • iNeed2Pee on 05/02/2021 - 22:13

      If a Tesla is in auto pilot mode, and you are involved in an accident, who's liable?

      • SF3 on 05/02/2021 - 22:15
        +1

        delegated responsibilities, not delegated accountability. :)

      • Yummy on 05/02/2021 - 23:11

        Elon the rocket man.

  • tighttighttight on 05/02/2021 - 22:03

    Are you selling anything?

    • SF3 on 05/02/2021 - 22:06
      +2

      Next Post from OP: I got a wheel alignment deal for you!

  • Switchblade88 on 05/02/2021 - 22:05
    +5

    OP has now twice put up random forum posts, but has yet to make any comment replies OR vote on any deals.

    Make of this what you will.

    • SF3 on 05/02/2021 - 22:07
      +1

      seems like a segue to something car related with a cranky looking cat… slow drum roll.

    • The Value on 06/02/2021 - 00:51

      It's even their own original content. Doesn't seem to be copied and pasted.

  • pegaxs on 05/02/2021 - 22:55
    +3

    1: rubbish. A steering wheel can be off center but wheel alignment can be good
    2: rubbish, could be a road camber related issue, not a car issue
    3: this is the only correct way to look for wheel alignment issues
    4: rubbish, this would be due to worn parts like tie rod ends or steering box issues
    5: rubbish, this is caster related and most cars have fixed caster that can’t be adjusted
    6: rubbish, this is a wheel balance problem or, again, worn out bushes, suspension or tie rod ends.
    7: don’t give up your day job. So much bullshit in one post.

    • Euphemistic on 07/02/2021 - 18:52
      +1

      WHile I agree with the sentiment, the list of symptoms don’t really indicate a wheel alignment is due, it is a good sign for someone who knows little about cars to get it check by a mechanic or suspension specialist.

      Unfortunately, relying on tyre wear to indicate a wheel alignment is due will often mean that the tyres are prematurely worn - effectively wasting a lot of their life.

      • pegaxs on 07/02/2021 - 19:24
        +1

        While I agree that some of the symptoms mentioned above could be related to alignment issues, most of them seldom are or are just outrightly not related at all.

        The problem is just that there is no context to any of the examples above and blatantly saying that X = Y is incorrect and misleading.

        What OP should have said was “this is an indication, this is why it’s an indication and this is a test you can do to confirm the diagnosis.”

  • ScuseMe on 05/02/2021 - 23:26

    Maybe Op is the aussie version of Chris Fix

    • pegaxs on 05/02/2021 - 23:45
      +1

      Nah, Chris Fix would have got it right.

  • Hithere on 06/02/2021 - 08:00

    Is that you John Cadogan?

  • Jugganautx on 06/02/2021 - 10:46
    1. Get a wheel alignment at a proper wheel and suspension place. not bob janes.
    • the Unforgiven on 06/02/2021 - 19:30

      I used to fix front ends then do alignments @ Janes Springvale decades ago and people used to come from everywhere to get there's done from me. Me & me tyre fitting mate were called Zig & Zag, I was Zig

  • doctordv8 on 06/02/2021 - 11:59

    Good advise…nearly. It is about 50% correct…and by no means complete.

  • Farrba on 06/02/2021 - 19:35

    should a brand new car immediately be wheel aligned?

    • pegaxs on 07/02/2021 - 08:55

      No. It’s set at the factory and by the time the car has gotten to you, it would have only been driven a few km on and off wharfs and ships.

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