Why Are Alignments So Important — and What Do They Protect on Your Vehicle?

By Dale, Autoplex Auto Service | Tempe, AZ

Protect Your Tires and Improve Handling in Tempe

It is easy to forget about your tires until one goes flat, but they are arguably the most important safety feature on your vehicle. Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road. That small patch of rubber is responsible for all your starting, stopping, and turning.

At Autoplex Auto Service, we know that if your wheels aren't pointed in the right direction, that connection to the road is compromised. This is why a proper wheel alignment is extremely important.

What Does an Alignment Actually Do?

A wheel alignment doesn't just adjust the tires; it adjusts the vehicle's suspension to ensure the tires make contact with the road at the proper angle.

When your car is properly aligned, it drives straight and true. When it is out of alignment, the vehicle fights against itself, dragging the tires sideways instead of letting them roll smoothly.

When Should You Check Your Alignment?

You don't need to wait until your car is pulling hard to the left or right to get it checked. We recommend an alignment check every 6 to 12 months.

Regular checks are the best way to prevent the common symptoms of bad alignment:

• Pulling: The steering wheel tugs to one side while driving on a straight road.
• Uneven Tire Wear: One side of the tire tread wears down much faster than the other.
• Premature Replacement: You end up buying new tires thousands of miles sooner than necessary.

Conveniently Located in Tempe

Don't let a bad alignment ruin your investment in new tires. We are conveniently located in Tempe, Arizona, right near the US 60, Loop 101, and I-10.