Mike's Brake & Alignment Shop

Honest & Quality Service

Tag: car alignment

4 Ways to Know You Need a Vehicle Alignment

            Have you ever driven on the freeway at about 80 mph, and suddenly there appears an enormous pothole that you cannot evade? Numerous drivers experience this type of scenario on the highway every day, never knowing that the pothole messed up their car’s alignment. Many influences can cause your vehicle to become out of alignment. Yet, a misaligned vehicle can bring you issues like wearing out your tires faster and less fuel efficiency. It is essential to know when you need an alignment and the four indicators to look for to avoid any safety concerns.

  • Vehicle Pulls to the Side

When a vehicle is pulling to the side, it is a strong indicator that it needs a realignment immediately.  A driver struggling to keep their truck straight is not a good sign for the truck’s overall health. Even if the vehicle is slightly pulling, it is still a good idea to take it to an auto shop, so there are no future issues.

  • Steering Wheel is Crooked

A steering wheel driven at an awkward angle is another indicator that a vehicle has a horrible alignment. If the car’s steering wheel logo is not facing up or down when the vehicle moves straight, something is wrong. The best option to do is to bring this issue to the attention of a trusted mechanic.

  •  Vibrating Vehicle

A lousy alignment means at least two tires are pulling against each and trying to go in separate directions. When a vehicle is pulling, a driver can quickly feel a vibration in the steering wheel. In worst cases, the steering wheel will shake, and the car as well.

  • Odd Tire Wear

The final inspection that a driver should do is to check their vehicle’s tire treads. Two tires on the same axle that have to wear in different ways can reveal alignment issues.  The tires will be smoother or balder on one specific part of the tire.

Conclusion

Bad vehicle alignment can bring unnecessary issues to a vehicles’ health.  Drivers who look for the signs of a horrible alignment can save their car, money, and mind. If you are having alignment issues with your vehicle, you can bring it to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We specialize in alignments for your car and provide auto services in Fort Worth, TX. Visit our store or check out our website for more information about our auto services.

We look forward to speaking with you!

How to Extend the Life of Your Car’s Alignment

Most people know when the alignment on their car is going out, but many do not know why it happens in the first place. Generally there are three major reasons for a car’s alignment to go out, all of which we discuss below in addition to what you should and should not do to help extend the life of your car’s alignment.

What to Do

Maintenance is always key! Properly maintaining your car will help to ensure that any worn parts are caught and replaced sooner rather than later. The suspension systems in cars are responsible for the alignment, and over time it’s normal for those parts to wear down and not work as effectively.  It’s best to bring your car to a trusted mechanic one or twice a year for regular maintenance.

What Not to Do

A major cause behind some faulty suspensions and alignments are faulty modifications. For example, modifying a car so that it is lifted will require the suspension be adjusted as well, otherwise you risk causing alignment problems.

Additionally, a car’s alignment can be thrown off by sudden impact. Whether it be a car accident, a pot hole, or prolonged drives on unpaved roads, anything that causes your car to shake or lurch aggressively can lead to alignments issues as well.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately being a car owner isn’t always economical, so it’s crucial to stay proactive and ensure your car receives the regular maintenance it needs. From alignment repairs to full service tire and brake repairs, the team at Mikes Brake & Alignment Shop strive to offer affordable, honest, and speedy auto services every time.