Alignment Service FAQ in Lynchburg, VA

A wheel alignment, also known as tire alignment, refers to the adjustment of the angles of your vehicle's wheels to the manufacturer's specifications. This adjustment is crucial to maintain proper handling, tire wear, and overall performance. During a wheel alignment, the technician measures and adjusts three primary angles: camber, caster, and toe.

1. Extended Tire Life: Proper alignment ensures that your tires wear evenly. When your wheels are misaligned, certain areas of the tire tread endure excessive wear, leading to premature tire replacement.
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels can create additional rolling resistance, causing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. A wheel alignment can help optimize your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
3. Enhanced Handling and Safety: Correct wheel alignment promotes better handling and steering response, ensuring your vehicle maintains stability and control on the road. This is particularly crucial during emergency maneuvers and adverse weather conditions.
4. Prevents Vibrations: Misaligned wheels can cause vibrations in the steering wheel, which can lead to an uncomfortable driving experience. Proper alignment eliminates these vibrations, providing a smoother ride.
5. Protects Suspension Components: Wheel misalignment can put extra stress on your vehicle's suspension system, leading to premature wear and potential damage. A wheel alignment helps preserve the longevity of your suspension components.

In general, it's recommended to have your wheel alignment checked at least once a year or every 10,000 miles. However, there are certain circumstances that may require more frequent alignments.

• New Tires: Whenever you get new tires, it's a good idea to get a wheel alignment. This ensures that your new tires wear evenly and prolongs their lifespan.
• Suspension Work: If you get any repairs or alterations to your vehicle's suspension system, it's important to get a wheel alignment.
• After a Fender Bender: Hitting a curb, pothole, or getting in a fender bender can knock your wheels out of alignment. Even if you don't immediately notice any symptoms, it's advisable to get a wheel alignment as a precautionary measure.
• Uneven Tire Wear: If you notice that your tires aren't wearing evenly uneven tire wear, it may indicate a wheel alignment issue. Getting an alignment will help prevent further tire damage and ensure optimal performance.
• Steering or Handling Issues: If you experience problems with your vehicle's steering, such as the steering wheel not being centered or your car pulling to one side, it's likely due to misaligned wheels. Getting a wheel alignment will address these issues and restore proper handling and stability.

• Vehicle Pulling: When your car pulls to one side while driving on a straight road, it's a clear indication of misaligned wheels.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Excessive wear on the inner or outer edges of your tires can suggest misalignment issues.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel is not centered when driving straight, it may be a sign of wheel misalignment.
• Vibrating Steering Wheel: A vibrating or shaking steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, can indicate the need for a wheel alignment.
• Poor Handling or Stability: If your vehicle feels unstable or drifts to one side when driving, it's likely due to improper wheel alignment.

It is recommended to have your wheel alignment checked at least once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, certain factors can increase the frequency of alignment needs, such as driving on rough roads, hitting potholes, or experiencing significant impacts.