Your car keeps pulling to the left even though you’re trying to drive straight. You know this is a sign that your wheels are not aligned. You’ve also heard squealing when you make a left-hand turn, which is also a sign of misaligned wheels. RI Automotive can get your wheels back into alignment, and we can balance them, too, if they need it. How did you knock your wheels out of alignment? It’s very easy to do.
Accidents
Automobile accidents can easily knock a vehicle’s wheels out of alignment even if it’s only a minor accident. Depending on the type of impact and where your car was hit, if you have been in a recent fender-bender lately, it could be that that is the reason why your wheels are no longer aligned. It’s best to have your vehicle inspected after an incident, again, even if it’s only a minor one.
Bumps
Bumps are murder on your wheel alignment and vehicle suspension. Whether they are bumps in the road or speed bumps, these road hazards can knock your wheels out of alignment in a heartbeat as well as blow a bald tire if you hit them hard enough. It’s important to always drive over bumps slowly. Keep in mind that going over a bump too fast can damage your suspension.
Cement Markers
Cement parking space markers can be a real pain but they do help control parking lot dangers. For example, have you ever pulled forward out of a parking space only to nearly be hit by oncoming traffic? Cement parking space markers prevent people from pulling out of the parking spaces in the wrong direction. The downside is they can knock out your wheel alignment if you hit them too hard.
Curbs
Curbs are murder on wheel alignment. Wheel alignment ensures that your tire tread is flat on the road. It’s designed to ensure that the tires are not tilting – even slightly – toward any side. This extends your tread life and gives you better control of your car. When you hit a curb, you knock the wheel that made contact with the curb inward, and this very quickly knocks it out of alignment.
Potholes
Another thing that is murder on your suspension, including the wheel alignment, is potholes. These things can wipe out your tires, your suspension, your wheel balancing and alignment, and even break an axle if you hit a bad pothole going too fast. It is so important to take it easy when driving through potholes. Go slow and take added precautions to protect your wheels and tires.
If you need your wheels realigned, call us today to schedule an appointment for your car, crossover, SUV, truck, or van. RI Automotive is the best auto repair shop in Tampa, FL.
