At HCS Auto Repair, we’ve seen our fair share of vehicles with misaligned wheels. But what causes this issue? As it turns out, there are several hazards on the road that can affect your wheel alignment.
Accidents: A Leading Cause of Misaligned Wheels
Accidents are a leading cause of misaligned wheels. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major collision, accidents can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s suspension and steering system, leading to misaligned wheels.
Potholes: A Common Hazard on the Road
Potholes are another common hazard on the road that can affect your wheel alignment. These pesky holes in the road can cause your tires to shift out of alignment, leading to uneven wear and reduced traction.
Speed Bumps: A Disruptor of Wheel Alignment
Speed bumps are designed to slow you down, but they can also disrupt your wheel alignment. When you drive over a speed bump, your tires are forced to absorb the impact, which can cause them to shift out of alignment.
Curbs: A Hidden Hazard
Curbs may seem harmless, but they can be a major hazard for your wheel alignment. When you drive too close to a curb or hit it accidentally, your tires can become misaligned.
Gravel and Debris: A Threat to Wheel Alignment
Gravel and debris on the road can also affect your wheel alignment. When you drive on a gravel road or through a construction zone, your tires are forced to navigate through loose material, which can cause them to shift out of alignment.
Weather Conditions: An Aggravator of Wheel Alignment Issues
Weather conditions can also play a role in messing up your wheel alignment. For example, driving on icy or snowy roads can cause your tires to slip and slide, leading to misalignment.
How to Protect Your Wheel Alignment
So, what can you do to protect your wheel alignment from these hazards? Here are a few tips:
- Regularly check your tire pressure: Proper tire pressure can help your tires wear evenly and reduce the risk of misalignment.
- Avoid potholes and speed bumps: If possible, try to avoid driving over potholes and speed bumps. If you can’t avoid them, slow down and drive carefully.
- Drive carefully on gravel roads: If you need to drive on a gravel road, slow down and avoid sudden turns or braking.
- Get regular wheel alignments: Regular wheel alignments can help identify any issues before they become major problems.
- Consider investing in a wheel alignment system: Some vehicles come equipped with a wheel alignment system that can help detect and correct misalignment.
Conclusion
Wheel alignment is an important aspect of car maintenance that’s often overlooked. By being aware of the hazards on the road that can mess up your wheel alignment, you can take steps to protect your vehicle and ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. At HCS Auto Repair, we’re committed to helping you keep your vehicle in top condition. Contact us today to schedule a wheel alignment or to learn more about our services.
Need help with wheel alignment give us a call anytime at Springdale – 479-662-1221 or Rogers – 479-329-1478