What Every Driver Should Know About Wheel Alignment

Question: How important is wheel alignment?
Answer: Think of it this way.  Research indicates that the average vehicle is driven about 12,000 miles per year.  A car with a toe angle misadjustment of 0.34 degrees (only 0.17 inches) out of specification will drag the tires sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year!

Question: What are the "symptons" of a vehicle with incorrect alignment?
Answer:  Have your vehicle checked if you notice:
- Excessive or uneven tire wear
- The vehicle pulls to the left or right
- Feeling of looseness or wandering
- Steering wheel vibration or shimmy
- Steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead

Question: How often should I have my vehicle aligned?
Answer: Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation noted in your owner's manual.  As a general rule, have your wheel alignment checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.

Question:  Why Total Alignment?
Answer:  Many reasons including:
1. Reduced Tire Wear
2. Better Gas Mileage
3. Improved Handling
4. Safer Driving

Over the years, a properly alignment can add thousands of miles to tire life, while minimizing resistance, leading to increased savings at the pump.

Here's what we do at Laker Tire & Service when you need an alignment: