Wheels that are not aligned make controlling an automobile extremely difficult. Generally, you need to have your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s wheels aligned every two years. It’s also a good idea to have them aligned when you have a new set of tires installed. Rick’s Auto Center can align your wheels if they have been knocked out of alignment. The following things can do just that.
Auto Accidents
Even minor automobile accidents can knock your wheels out of alignment if your vehicle is hit in the right place. It’s important to have your automobile inspected after an accident even if there aren’t any visible signs of damage. It’s possible that the incident knocked your wheels out of alignment and damage the suspension. We can check for that.
Bumpy Roads/Speed Bumps
Bumpy roads and speed bumps can also knock your wheels out of alignment. It’s impossible to avoid all of the bumps on the roads, but you can slow down on roads that are particularly bumpy. It’s also important to slow down when you drive over speed bumps; you should never drive over 5 mph. Flying over bumps can definitely knock your wheels out of alignment
Curbs/Corners
Take it easy when you turn corners and when you parallel park. Hitting the curbs will push the wheels that make contact with the curbs inward and damage the wheel alignment. Driving over curbs can also cause a problem with the wheel alignment.
Parking Markers
The same is true if you drive over parking space markers. Your vehicle is not designed to drive over something that high. Make sure to always back out of parking spaces that have markers on the end of them. Pull into the spaces slowly, too, so that you don’t jolt your wheels backward.
Potholes
Potholes wreak havoc on your tires, suspension, and wheel alignment. It’s important to go through potholes as slow as possible, even if you are in a rush. When your wheel goes through the pothole, it is jolted in many different directions at once.
Road Construction
Finally, road construction can be hard on your wheels and tires. Going slow out of respect for the construction workers is crucial, but it also helps you avoid knocking the wheels out of alignment by driving over the road covers or uneven pavement too fast.
Rick’s Auto Center is the best auto service shop in Hamden, CT, so call us today if you would like to schedule an appointment to have your wheel alignment checked and your wheels realigned if necessary.