Wheel Alignment 101

wheel alignment

From time to time, you’ll need a wheel alignment to keep your car performing at its best. Many drivers in Atlantic City and Egg Harbor may not know as much about wheel alignments as they’d like to-and we at Boardwalk Honda are here to help fill in the blanks.

In this crash course on wheel alignment, you’ll learn what’s involved in the process, why you should have it performed, and how often they need to be done. If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Tire Alignment: The Basics

tire alignment

So, what exactly is a wheel or tire alignment? Contrary to common wisdom, it isn’t an adjustment to the tires or wheels themselves. Rather, it’s an adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension system, which connects a vehicle to its wheels. Realign the suspension, and you’ll change the angles of the wheels.

This process affects how your tires make contact with the road-and, if done right, it’ll help you keep your wheels and tires in better condition for longer. Plus, you’ll be far safer driving a car with properly aligned wheels.

How Often Do I Need a Wheel Alignment?

Very likely, you’ll notice there’s no suggested interval for wheel alignments in your maintenance schedule. This is because the length of time your car lasts without needing alignment can differ wildly. Many factors can require a wheel realignment sooner than anticipated, and we’ll cover them all below.

In general, though, you should have a wheel alignment performed at least once every two to three years. You’ll want to do it more often if your vehicle has wider tires. Every time you have a new set of tires fitted to your wheels, you should have an alignment performed to get the most from those tires from the get-go.

Signs You Need Your Wheels Realigned

Your car may be able to go a couple years without an alignment. You also may need it more often, especially if you do something that throws off the vehicle’s alignment, like hitting a particularly nasty pothole. If you notice any of these warning signs, have a licensed service technician examine your tire alignment:

  • Steering wheel is off center when driving straight
  • Steering wheel or seat vibrations
  • Uneven tire tread wear
  • Vehicle pulls to the left or right

These warning signs can indicate other problems as well, which is why it’s key to have a trained technician diagnose the issue before attempting any repair work.

Schedule Wheel Alignment at Our Service Center

With regular wheel alignments, you can extend the life of your tires and drive more safely on the roads of Atlantic City and Egg Harbor. If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs above or you want preventative service, we invite you to schedule your wheel alignment at the Boardwalk Honda Service Center.

Our certified technicians will use state-of-the-art technology to ensure an accurate and precise alignment for your wheels. We’ll have you back on the roads with more confidence before you know it. Just schedule a service appointment to get started!