We get asked this question quite a bit, “Why is a wheel alignment important?” Our customers want to know, is this service really necessary? The answer is a definite yes! It is very important to have your wheels aligned on a regular basis. Some industry experts claim this needs to be done at every oil service, and while we think that might be a little extreme, we definitely recommend getting an alignment done at least every 6,000 miles or every other oil change.

Let’s explore exactly what an alignment is. Essentially a wheel alignment is making sure that the wheels of the car are perpendicular to the road and it also makes sure that the wheels are parallel to one other. Having your wheels out of alignment can cause all kinds of issues for you.

The most noticeable problem is uneven tire wear and damage. Having more resistance to the road surface means more pressure on your tires. That is what leads to very quick wear. It results in the tire becoming bald on one side. Therefore your tires become uneven. Not only is it extremely dangerous to drive on uneven tires, it also means that you have to spend big bucks on new tires sooner. Depending on your vehicle and the tire size you have, you literally could spend anywhere from $400 – $1400 buying new tires for your vehicle long before you should have to replace them, had they been properly cared for. When you factor the relatively small cost of an alignment it seems silly not to, as it could literally save you HUGE amounts of money in the long run.

If you’ve ever driven in a car that constantly is pulling to one side or the other, that is the effect of a bad wheel alignment. This is a safety concern you should definitely take note of. A vehicle that is pulling hard to the left or right is putting you at a higher risk of being in an accident. An accident that can easily be prevented with routine alignments. Your steering wheel should be straight, and your vehicle should drive straight down the road without veering left or right.

The long and the short of it is a proper wheel alignment can save you money, help your vehicle be more fuel efficient and most importantly help to keep you and your loved ones safe.

4 SIGNS YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS AN ALIGNMENT 

• The tires are not wearing evenly. If you see that any portion of your tire tread is wearing more than another, your car most likely is out of alignment. You may also have a bent or worn suspension or steering part, and that’s something we would identify as part of the pre-alignment inspection.
• The vehicle pulls to one side while driving. In extreme cases, the vehicle will try to turn to one side or the other and you’ll have to fight with the steering wheel. If the misalignment is less severe, it will drift to one side, but it will be easier to control.
• The front end shakes. If you notice your front end shaking, there probably are other issues, along with the car being out of alignment. Definitely call us to have the vehicle checked out as soon as possible. The vibration is no fun to deal with while driving, and it could be wearing away at your tire tread.
• The steering wheel is crooked while the vehicle is going straight ahead. This one’s a dead giveaway that you need your car or truck aligned.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, come on by and see the experts at Wilcox & Son Automotive. We have a state of the art alignment machine, and years of experience to get your alignment done right the first time. Give us a call at 407-440-2848 or visit us online to schedule your appointment today. http://www.wilcoxandsonauto.com/contacts/ We are located at 62 W. Illiana Street, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806. We would love the opportunity to earn your business.