3 Things That Can Cause Improper Vehicle Alignment

Motor vehicles serve a vital purpose in modern society. Most people can't imagine getting through the day without access to a car. The tires serve as the basic support for any vehicle, and the alignment of the vehicle's frame can affect tire stability.

Routine alignments are needed to help ensure that your vehicle is capable of maintaining maximum stability at all times. A number of things can throw your vehicle out of kilter, so regular alignments should become a part of your maintenance routine.

1. Rough Driving Surfaces

Many drivers think that rough driving surfaces are only found on dirt or gravel roads. This simply isn't true.

Any surface that results in jarring or a heavy impact on your vehicle can be considered rough. This means that driving down a city street filled with potholes or accidentally hitting the curb when backing out of your driveway can have the potential to throw your vehicle out of alignment.

Routine adjustments will ensure that any inadvertent jarring and impact-related alignment issues are corrected before they can negatively impact tire performance.

2. Wear and Tear

Vehicle components are not designed to last forever. Normal driving can cause wear and tear on the components that make up your vehicle's frame. Shocks, springs, struts, and other essential components can begin to lose their tightness over time.

This loss in structural integrity allows the frame to give a little while driving normally. Routine alignments can correct the frame movements that occur as a result of the aging process of your car.

3. Tire Changes

The installation of new tires can have an effect on the alignment of your vehicle. Many drivers want to adjust the height of their vehicle through tire size. It is possible to invest in taller or shorter tires, but you will need to have your alignment checked often if you deviate from the manufacturer recommended tire size for your vehicle.

The suspension system of your vehicle is designed specifically to work with the tires issued by the manufacturer. Making changes to the tires can compromise the integrity of the suspension system, throwing the vehicle out of alignment.

Understanding why your car's alignment can be compromised will allow you to see the value in routine auto alignment repair services. These services will offset the alignment shifts caused by rough roads, vehicle aging, and tire changes before they can have a negative effect on the quality of your tires.


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