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Ever feel like your car has a mind of its own—pulling left when you’re trying to go straight? It’s not possessed (we promise), but it might need a front-end alignment. Here’s what you need to know about spotting alignment issues before they turn into expensive repairs.

Why Front-End Alignment Matters

Your front-end alignment ensures your wheels are angled correctly so your tires meet the road evenly. When alignment is off, you’ll experience uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even reduced fuel efficiency.

You might have guessed it (we tried telling the trivia questioner that the name is a giveaway), but a front-end alignment is a service that looks at the angles of the two front wheels—camber, caster, and toe—to ensure they’re parallel and properly aligned with the vehicle’s centerline. It’s typically done on vehicles with a solid rear axle or when only the front suspension has been disturbed (like after replacing tie rods or control arms).

Top Signs You Need an Alignment

• Your Car Pulls to One Side: If you let go of the steering wheel on a straight road and your car drifts left or right, that’s a classic alignment issue.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: Driving straight but your steering wheel looks like it’s turning? That’s a sign your wheels aren’t aligned properly.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Check your tires. If one side of the tread is wearing faster than the other, alignment could be the culprit.
• Vibrations While Driving: Misalignment can cause your tires to fight each other, leading to vibrations in the steering wheel.
• Handling Feels “Loose”: If your car feels like it’s wandering or hard to keep straight, it’s time for a check-up.

What Causes Misalignment?

Potholes, curbs, and even minor fender benders can knock your wheels out of alignment. Over time, normal wear on suspension components can also affect alignment. Basically, if you’ve hit something harder than a speed bump, your alignment might need attention.

Why Correct Misalignment Now?

Sure, misalignment issues are annoying, but your car is still doing its job, right? While you can still get from destination to destination, ignoring alignment issues will lead to premature tire replacement, poor fuel economy, and unsafe handling. A simple alignment service costs far less than a new set of tires—and keeps you safer on the road.

Misalignment can happen gradually, too, so you might not realize your vehicle isn’t at its best until it worsens and the issues become more apparent (although you also risk gradually becoming accustomed to your car driving strange). This is why an alignment inspection is recommended once per year at minimum. When misalignment gets bad, it can really chew your tires up fast. Don’t let it get there.

We Make It Easy

Serving Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and La Vergne, Tire World provides expert front-end alignment services along with tires, brakes, and full auto repair.

Don’t fight your steering wheel. Schedule your alignment and enjoy a smoother, safer ride!