Does your vehicle stray from one side of the road to the other, or does the steering wheel vibrate at high speeds? If so, you could be wondering whether your vehicle needs a wheel alignment or the tires balanced. Actually, the only thing wheel alignment and tire balancing have in common is that they both affect the forward motion and drivability of the vehicle. Proper car alignment is necessary for many reasons. In fact, after many types of vehicle repairs, a wheel alignment is necessary because they may interfere with the wheel alignment.
There are several symptoms that signify your vehicle needs a car alignment. The most common symptoms are severe wear on the inside or outside edge of your tires and drifting problems when you let go of the steering wheel. This can be caused by several different things:
- low tire pressure
- worn out brakes
- front end problems
A proper wheel alignment is necessary to keep your vehicle going straight down the road. It will not, however, smooth out a vibrating or pulsating steering wheel as a result of unbalanced tires. This is an entirely different problem to be addressed when the tires are inspected.
Every automaker establishes a default setting for what their vehicle’s specific alignment should be. Unfortunately, these factory default settings will get off, due to the unevenness of the pavement, the crown of the highways, vehicle accidents, and daily driving in general.
Many auto mechanics suggest getting cars aligned every time tires are replaced. It may be needed sooner if they notice uneven wear or if the ball joints, tie rods or suspension has been replaced. One important thing to remember is; if the front end of your car is under repair, hold off on an alignment until the new parts are replaced. There is no need to pay for a second alignment.
For quality wheel alignment, contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for expert advice on good car care. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Which one is it? Tire Balancing or Wheel Alignment? Proper car alignment is necessary to keep your vehicle going straight down the road.Does your vehicle stray from one side of the road to the other, or does the steering wheel vibrate at high speeds? If so, you could be wondering whether your vehicle needs a wheel alignment or the tires balanced. Actually, the only thing wheel alignment and tire balancing have in common is that they both affect the forward motion and drivability of the vehicle. Proper car alignment is necessary for many reasons. In fact, after many types of vehicle repairs, a wheel alignment is necessary because they may interfere with the wheel alignment.
There are several symptoms that signify your vehicle needs a car alignment. The most common symptoms are severe wear on the inside or outside edge of your tires and drifting problems when you let go of the steering wheel. This can be caused by several different things:
- low tire pressure
- worn out brakes
- front end problems
A proper wheel alignment is necessary to keep your vehicle going straight down the road. It will not, however, smooth out a vibrating or pulsating steering wheel as a result of unbalanced tires. This is an entirely different problem to be addressed when the tires are inspected.
Every automaker establishes a default setting for what their vehicle’s specific alignment should be. Unfortunately, these factory default settings will get off, due to the unevenness of the pavement, the crown of the highways, vehicle accidents, and daily driving in general.
Many auto mechanics suggest getting cars aligned every time tires are replaced. It may be needed sooner if they notice uneven wear or if the ball joints, tie rods or suspension has been replaced. One important thing to remember is; if the front end of your car is under repair, hold off on an alignment until the new parts are replaced. There is no need to pay for a second alignment.
For quality wheel alignment, contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for expert advice on good car care. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
