While a misaligned vehicle might seem harmless, it isn’t. The longer you drive on misaligned wheels the more damage you do to the tires and suspension. If you fight to keep your car, CUV, SUV, or truck from pulling to one side, your wheels aren’t aligned. They are also misaligned if your steering wheel isn’t centered. Road hazards can knock your wheels out of alignment. Dave’s Auto Repair, LLC, can help. Here are some things to avoid to prevent suspension damage, including damage to the wheel alignment.
Bumps of All Types
Road bumps and speed bumps can knock your wheels out of alignment in an instant. If you go over the bumps or speed bumps without taking into account the size of the bumps and slowing down accordingly, you will jolt your wheels in directions they should not go. If you’re going way too fast, the impact will be violent. You might not notice the damage right away, but flying over bumps is somewhat like getting into an automobile accident. Bumps can “bruise” your wheels.
This Includes Curbs
We know you don’t drive over curbs like you would bumps you cannot avoid, but when you hit them, this knocks the wheels out of alignment. It’s easy to hit curbs. We all do it. Whether you bump up against them while you parallel park or accidentally miscalculate a turn, each time you hit a curb you push the wheel or wheels that make contact with the curb in the wrong direction. You can also knock your wheels out of alignment if you constantly hit parking space markers.
Potholes and the Road Construction That Fixes Them
We all hate potholes. These suckers can sneak up on you when you least expect them. Bam! You’ve just knocked your wheels out of alignment. Potholes not only damage the wheels; they also wreak havoc on your tires, struts, and shocks, i.e. your suspension. Heck, if you’re driving fast enough and the pothole is really deep, you could break an axle. Be cautious of potholes and the road construction that fixes them. Drive over the potholes as slow as possible and keep it slow in construction zones.
Did you know that your tires and suspension can also affect your wheel alignment? They can. Keep everything road-ready with regular maintenance. Stop by Dave’s Auto Repair, LLC. Our shop is in Goshen, IN. Call us if you think your wheels are misaligned. We’ll get you back on the road with a healthy suspension in no time. Call us today.
