Northup's Imported Car Service
304 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 401.783.6500
Question:
How do I know when I need a wheel alignment?
Northup's Imported Car Service Answer:
When Wakefield drivers' wheels are properly aligned they all point in the same direction. When they are out of alignment, most RI drivers notice a couple of things. First the vehicle pulls to one side when driving. It could be slight or pretty severe. If your wheels have been out of alignment for a while, you'll also start to see uneven tire wear – the shoulder on either the outside or inside of the tire is worn down more than the other.
A whole bunch of steering and suspension components are joined together. Everyday Wakefield driving can cause Wakefield drivers' wheels to go out of alignment over time just from the joints loosening up. That's why most recommend an alignment check every couple of years. Depending on where you live in RI or the conditions you drive in (off-road driving, harsh Wakefield winter conditions, poor pavement, etc.), an alignment inspection every year at Northup's Imported Car Service may be called for.
Suspension and steering components wear over time as well, which can lead to and alignment issues for Wakefield drivers. Of course, a big bump, like hitting a curb or pothole, can knock a wheel out of alignment or damage a steering or suspension part.
Your friendly and knowledgeable Northup's Imported Car Service service advisor will check your tires for uneven wear. The type of wear provides clues for what might be wrong. Undercar parts are inspected for wear and damage. The alignment machine will provide a reading of how each wheel is aligned. The reading is compared with the alignment settings recommended by the manufacturer, and then the technician makes the necessary adjustments and repairs to bring your wheels back into alignment.
Now putting off a wheel alignment in Wakefield can get dangerous because of tire wear: a bad alignment can chew through a tire pretty quickly. If you see uneven tire wear, if your steering wheel is off center or your vehicle pulls to one side, ask your friendly and knowledgeable Northup's Imported Car Service service advisor about getting an alignment check.
Northup's Imported Car Service
304 Main Street
Wakefield, RI 02879
401.783.6500