What Causes Car Alignment Problems?

Experienced drivers understand why it’s important to maintain the correct wheel alignment on their vehicles. They know that they will experience better traction and grip on the road in most situations, while also helping the tread on their tires to wear evenly at a normal rate.  It also means that all four tires are moving at the same speed and pointed in the same direction as the steering wheel.   

So what causes car alignment problems?  Some of the most common causes include:

1. Hitting Curbs and Potholes: Impact with curbs or potholes can jolt the suspension system and cause alignment issues.
2. Wear and Tear: Over time, parts of the suspension and steering systems can wear out, leading to misalignment.
3. Accidents: Collisions, even minor ones, can affect the alignment of a vehicle.
4. Poor Maintenance: Failing to maintain the vehicle properly, such as not changing worn-out components, can lead to alignment issues.
5. Modifications: Installing aftermarket components or making modifications to the suspension can sometimes result in improper alignment if not done properly.
6. Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear can both cause and be a symptom of alignment problems. Worn-out tires can replace the way a car sits and drives.
7. Driving styles: Aggressive driving, such as taking turns too quickly or driving over speed bumps too fast, can affect alignment.
8. Poor Road Conditions: Frequently driving on rough or uneven roads can lead to alignment problems over time.

A word to the wise:  Have the wheel alignment inspected about 6 to 12 months—more often if you have been driving constantly on bumpy roads if the tire tread is wearing unevenly, if the rubber is looking worn, or if you are struggling with the steering and control of your vehicle. 

Wondering about what causes car alignment problems?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about wheel alignment and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How do you know when you need a front end alignment?

There are some indications of the car's well-being that show whether maintenance is required. The positioning and adjustment of the front-end wheels. A good front-end alignment of your tires gives you a quality, easy, and secure trip on the road. 

How do you know when you need a front end alignment? Let's find out.

• Uneven tire wear: If you notice uneven wear on your tires, especially on the edges, it could be a sign of misalignment. Inspect the tread pattern on each tire for abnormalities.
• Vehicle pulling to one side: When driving on a straight, level road, if your vehicle tends to pull to one side without any steering input from you, it could be an indication of misalignment.
• The steering wheel is not centered: Touch your hands lightly onto the steering wheel and see if it is out on driving straightly. If yes, then there is a need to re-align your front end.
• Vibrations in the steering wheel: If you feel vibrations or shaking through the steering wheel, it could be a result of misaligned wheels affecting the smooth operation of the vehicle.
• Handling Problems: Poor handling, such as a shaky or wandering sensation while driving, can be a sign of alignment issues. Your car may feel less stable, especially at higher speeds.
• Squealing Tires: Misaligned wheels can cause your tires to squeal, particularly during turns. This noise may indicate that the tires are not making proper contact with the road.
• Bumpy or Rough Ride: Misalignment can lead to an uncomfortable ride, with the vehicle feeling less smooth over bumps and uneven surfaces.

Overall, it is required that you undertake routine front-end alignments to ensure the general upkeep of the car as well as safety. If you come across any of the following signs, know that you have answers to the question on how do you know when you need a front end alignment. Replacing misaligned tires is expensive, but addressing them immediately will help avoid the expenses, improving your driving experience.

Wondering about how do you know when you need a front end alignment? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about wheel alignment problems and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What Causes Car Alignment Problems?

Experienced drivers understand why it’s important to maintain the proper wheel alignment on their vehicles. They know that they will experience better traction and grip on the road in most situations, while also helping the tread on their tires to wear evenly at a normal rate. It means that your tires are rolling down the road together at the same speed and direction.  

So what causes car alignment problems? The situations listed below are common situations for many drivers; any of them can cause your car to lose its wheel alignment:

1. Poor road conditions. Driving over rough terrain, roads filled with potholes and ruts, running over a curb, going too fast over a speed bump, or hitting other obstacles in the road.
2. Worn-out suspension parts. As shocks become worn and loose, your car is no longer stable but may bounce excessively when you hit bumps in the road.
3. Vehicle modifications. After-market modifications to vehicles, such as lifting the height or adjusting the suspension, make a wheel alignment service compulsory.
4. New Tires.  Installing new tires may require a different alignment than your old tires.
5. Auto Accident.  Whether a minor fender-bender or a major crash, the wheel alignment can be thrown off.

Here is why it’s so important to maintain the correct wheel alignment:  

• Your tires will last longer, wearing more evenly all around, 
• Improve fuel efficiency to help save money at the pump, 
• Damage to shocks and car axles is unlikely, and 
• Your trip will be more relaxed and smooth. 

A word to the wise:  Have the wheel alignment inspected about 6 to 12 months—more often if you have been driving consistently on bumpy roads if the tire tread is wearing unevenly, if the rubber is looking worn, or if you’re struggling with the steering and control of your vehicle. 

Still worried about what causes car alignment problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive for more information about wheel alignment and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Wonder How Often Should Car Alignment Be Done?

This is a question many drivers find themselves asking their auto mechanic. The signs of a misaligned car and tires out of balance are so similar it’s difficult for the average driver to know the difference.  Be sure to ask your auto mechanic to inspect the wheel balancing as well as the alignment as these problems are more damaging than one would think.  And of course, as with many other problems, some types of damage are irreparable!

How often should car alignment be done, and what does it mean when your car is out of alignment?  Out of alignment simply means that your car’s tires are pointing not in the same direction as the steering wheel.  And what does it mean when your tires are out of balance?  It means that the weight around the tire is unevenly distributed.  Have your wheel balancing and alignment inspected whenever you start to feel issues?  The cost of correcting the alignment or balance is much less than a new set of tires or changing shocks!

Although wheel alignment issues can develop as the miles add up on your car, they are more likely to be caused by a specific incident, such as going over speed bumps and potholes too fast, hitting a curb, driving consistently on rough roads, or an auto accident, even a minor fender-bender.  

If your tires are out of balance or misaligned, these problems may present themselves as you drive down the road:

• You feel the steering wheel and seat noticeably vibrate.
• Your tire tread is wearing faster than normal in an uneven pattern.
• Fewer miles per gallon.
• Your vehicle pulls to one side or other of the road.
• The steering wheel may feel loose and is crooked while driving straight.

Wondering how often should car alignment be done?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive for more information about wheel balancing and alignment services and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

When Should You Get A Front End Alignment?

When your car rolls off the assembly line, the wheels have been aligned, tested, adjusted and eventually verified.  But as you may have already experienced if you’ve car owned very long, wheels lose their alignment.  This means that the tires on your vehicle are not pointing in the same direction as the steering wheel. When this happens, it not only shortens the life of your tires by thousands of miles, it compromises the safety of your vehicle by affecting crucial steering and suspension parts. 

There are several reasons that wheels lose their alignment, most of which have to do with road conditions.  Poorly maintained roads, hitting potholes, going too fast over speed bumps, running over curbs, or having an accident no matter how minor, can all affect your car’s wheel alignment.  You may find yourself fighting the steering wheel as you try to drive your car straight down the road!  Inexperienced drivers may not be aware of how damaging misalignment can be.  It not only impacts the safety of your vehicle, but it also adds extreme wear to your tires, suspension system, and steering system. 

When should you get a front end alignment?  The typical answer to this question is to have your wheel alignment inspected about every 6,000 miles.   Or, whenever you start to notice signs of premature tire and tread wear caused by wheel alignment issues. 

There are several benefits to maintaining the correct wheel alignment on your vehicle, such as:

• Enhances the handling and safety of your car.
• You can maximize your cars fuel efficiency,
• Prevents damage to other important components (such as shocks and brakes), and 
• You increase the lifespan of your tires.  

Remember:  The cost for replacing a new set of tires is much greater than the cost of an alignment service!

Need to know more about wheel alignment issues? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about when should you get a front end alignment and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How does Wheel Balancing Affect Alignment?

This is a good question for drivers to ask as it means that they are aware that both correct wheel alignment and tire balancing are compulsory for the well-being of your tires, as well as the safety of your vehicle.  Tire balancing should be performed more frequently, while a wheel alignment service is not needed as often. 

So, does wheel balancing affect alignment?  Not necessarily.  Though, because the symptoms of misalignment and lost balancing are so similar, it is difficult to know which one might be the issue leading to damaged tires, suspension, and steering issues.  

How does a tire get out of balance, you ask?  Imperfections in the rubber and damage to a tire or rim can throw a wheel "out of balance."  Treadwear also causes the distribution of weight around the tire to change. This leads to an imbalance that causes the vehicle to shake. To balance a tire, the technician removes the tire from the vehicle and spins it on a calibrated balance.  A small lead weight is then attached to the tire to counter-balance any heavy spots.  Tire balancing is usually performed when tires are rotated, which is typically every 5-6,000 miles.

What if your car is out of alignment?  While tire wear prevention is a good reason to keep your wheel alignment in check, the penalties of misalignment can also play out in overall vehicle performance. A wheel alignment service includes checking the tread for uneven wear and an of the “toe, camber, and caster” which are the three components for measuring wheel orientation.  Then, the angle of the wheels will be adjusted to the position matching the manufacturer’s suggested specification.  Most manufacturers recommend having the alignment inspected every 10,000 miles.  

Whether your wheels are out of alignment, or the tires have lost a balance weight, watch for these signs:

• Vehicle pulls to the left or right
• Uneven or rapid tire wear 
• The Steering wheel is crooked, feels “loose,” or vibrates
• Squealing or wobbly tires

Wheel alignment and tire balancing service are well worth the little bit of time and money to protect your tire investment and enhance the safety of your vehicle.

Are you wondering how does wheel balancing affect alignment?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car alignment and tire balancing services and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.