What Causes Wheel Misalignment and How to Prevent It?

Ever experienced the car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or a crooked steering wheel? All of these are symptoms of wheel misalignment, which is very common and impacts the way your vehicle drives as well as its safety. So, what causes wheel misalignment? Even minor accidents, hitting curbs or riding through potholes, can displace your wheels out of alignment.
Additionally, worn suspension parts, uneven tire wear, or car modifications, like upgrading to new wheels, can contribute to the issue. Misalignment doesn’t just impact your car’s handling; it can also lead to increased fuel consumption and costly tire damage.
In this blog, we'll explain what causes the wheel to misalign, how to detect the condition, and steps to avoid it to ensure that your car runs safely, efficiently, and smoothly.

Understanding Wheel Misalignment

Wheel misalignment happens when your car wheels don’t align perfectly with each other or the road. Misalignment affects steering, tire wear, and overall safety. Whether it’s a slight shift or a significant issue, it’s essential to address it quickly to avoid expensive repairs in the future.

What Causes Wheel Misalignment?

Here are the most common causes of misaligned wheels:

1. Hitting Potholes or Curbs

A sudden jolt from hitting a pothole or bumping into a curb can throw your wheels out of alignment. Even small impacts can create alignment problems over time.

2. Worn Suspension Parts

The suspension system connects your car’s wheels to its body. If components like shocks, struts, or control arms wear out, they can affect the alignment of your wheels. Regular maintenance can help avoid this issue.

3. Uneven Tire Wear

Tires that aren’t rotated regularly or are underinflated can lead to uneven wear. This imbalance impacts your wheel alignment and can worsen if left unchecked.

4. Car Modifications or Weight Changes

Installing new parts like a wheel and tire package or modifying the height of your car can disturb the alignment. An alignment check is a good idea if you’ve recently upgraded your car's wheels.

How to Spot Misaligned Wheels

Misaligned wheels can show up in several ways:

• Uneven tire wear: One side of the tire wears out faster.
• Pulling to one side: Your car drifts left or right, even on straight roads.
• Steering issues: A crooked steering wheel is a red flag while driving straight.
• Vibration: You might feel vibrations in the steering wheel.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to check your car for alignment issues. The Camber, caster, and toe are commonly required adjustments during wheel alignment. Camber refers to the tilt of the wheels inward or outward. The caster controls steering stability by tilting the steering axis, and the toe adjusts the angle of the wheels pointing inward or outward. Proper alignment ensures smoother handling and tire longevity.

How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?

A typical wheel alignment takes about 30 minutes to an hour. However, the time can vary depending on your car's condition and whether additional repairs are needed.

How Much Would Wheel Alignment Cost?

The cost of wheel alignment can range from $50 to $150 for standard cars. It might be higher for luxury vehicles or complex systems. It is always a good idea to get a quote before scheduling an appointment.

The Importance of Regular Alignment Checks

Routine alignment checks help you:

• Prolong tire life:Proper alignment ensures even tire wear.
• Improve fuel efficiency:Misaligned wheels can increase resistance, causing your car to use more fuel.
• Enhance driving safety: Proper alignment makes your car easier to handle.
• Reduce long-term costs:Fixing alignment issues early prevents bigger, costlier repairs later.

Preventing Wheel Misalignment

While misalignment is sometimes unavoidable, here are ways to minimize the risk:

• Avoid road hazards:Steer clear of potholes and curbs whenever possible.
• Schedule regular maintenance:Routine checks of your suspension and alignment keep your car in shape.
• Rotate your tires: Rotating tires regularly prevents uneven wear and promotes better alignment.
• Check your tire pressure: Keeping tires properly inflated helps avoid unnecessary stress on your alignment.

What’s the Difference: Wheel Alignment Vs. Balance?

Wheel Alignment vs. balance is crucial for a smooth ride. Wheel alignment focuses on adjusting the angles of your wheels to the correct position. In contrast, balancing addresses the weight distribution around the tire to eliminate vibrations.

Take Action Today!

Don’t let wheel misalignment compromise your driving experience. Misaligned wheels can result from hitting potholes, curbs, uneven road surfaces, and normal wear and tear over time.
Visit Discounted Wheel Warehouse to explore affordable options for keeping your car running smoothly. We offer a wide selection of wheel and tire packages, expert advice, doorstep delivery, and flexible financing options to get you back on the road confidently.
Book your alignment check or order your new set of wheels today!