Wheel Alignment in Calgary, Alberta

How do I Know If I Need a Wheel Alignment?

Some people make the mistake of thinking that a vehicle’s wheels and tires are the same things. A wheel (or rim) is a round metal component wrapped with a rubber tire; the wheel is also where the brakes are located. Over time wheels get knocked out of position, especially if the driver has a habit of hitting curbs while parking. So, if you’re wondering, ‘How do I know if I need a wheel alignment,’ the Jack Carter Chevy Service Department is here to help. Fortunately, there are a few tell-tale signs that your car, truck or SUV requires some attention from our team of highly trained service technicians.

Signs Your Car Need to Get a Wheel Alignment

Unlike many problems an automobile can have, it is very easy to tell if it is experiencing alignment issues. Some of the most common wheel alignment issues include:

  • Pulling to the left or right
  • The steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight
  • Uneven or accelerated tire tread wear
  • Unexplained squealing tires

While alignment issues are simple to diagnose, that doesn’t mean they can be ignored. Vehicle owners should never overlook wheel alignment issues because things could become unpredictable in an emergency when the driver needs to maneuver to avoid an obstacle.

How Often Should My Wheel Alignment Be Checked?

Every automaker has different maintenance intervals for each of the vehicles they produce. However, it is generally recommended that a service technician looks at a vehicle’s alignment every 6,000 miles. In the meantime, there are a couple of things drivers can do to keep their wheels on the straight-and-narrow, as it were:

  • Keep unnecessarily heavy items out of a vehicle’s trunk. Overloading the rear of a car will lower the ride height and push the wheels out of alignment.
  • Stay on top of tire pressure.
  • Avoid overly aggressive driving and hitting obstructions with the wheels.

Is a Tire Rotation and Wheel Alignment the Same Thing?

It is easy to mix up tire rotations and wheel alignments in terms of the functions they serve. A tire rotation appointment will involve a Jack Carter Chevy technician moving tires around to different positions on the car. A wheel alignment will keep the wheels in place but adjust the angles in relation to the road and the vehicle’s chassis.

Make an appointment with Jack Carter Chevy if it is time for your car, truck or SUV to get the service it needs.






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