Alignment Service at Watsonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Why A Vehicle Needs to Be Aligned

New vehicles are aligned according to specific measurements from the factory. These measurements ensure that your vehicle moves in a straight line unless you are turning it intentionally. However, the wheels can become misaligned over time, which will impact your steering and suspension systems. Having your wheels realigned allows the angle of the wheel to be readjusted back to factory specifications. Most of the time you will have all four wheels aligned at the same time.

When your wheels are out of alignment, it can cause many problems. One of the main issues is that your tires wear out faster and with odd patterns. Your fuel economy may also be reduced, and you may find it harder to steer in a straight line, which can lead to an accident.

How Wheels Get Out of Alignment

Even if you are a careful driver and avoid many of the issues that cause misalignment, your wheels will become unaligned at some point just because of normal wear and tear. If you drive on gravel or dirt roads or on roads with potholes, it will damage your alignment. Hitting curbs or getting in a collision with another vehicle will also lead to misalignment of your wheels.

Here are some signs that your vehicle may be out of alignment:

• You feel the vehicle pull to the right or left even though you’re driving in a straight line.
• You notice that your steering wheel is angled to the left or right even as you’re driving in a straight line
• To keep your vehicle moving in a straight line, you must constantly correct the steering wheel.
• After making a turn and straightening the vehicle, the steering wheel is still angled to one side.
• Your tire tread wears down quickly and with an odd pattern.

If you inspect your vehicle and notice any of these issues, you should schedule an appointment with Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM at our service department for alignment service. You can schedule this appointment online or give us a call during normal business hours to set up a time for your visit. If you have no noticeable issues with your vehicle that would indicate an alignment issue, you should still schedule service at least twice a year.

When to Schedule an Alignment

Along with the regular schedule for wheel alignment service, there are other times when you should have your wheels realigned. Anytime you’re involved in a collision with a car or other obstacle, you should schedule alignment service. If you replace your tires or raise or lower the vehicle with a lift kit, the wheels need to be realigned as well. If you have to replace parts for your steering or suspension, you may need realignment service.