Your vehicle may be bouncing and vibrating from more than roads liberally sprinkled with ruts and pot-holes. Before heading out the door on a winter road trip, or even just your commute to work or school, make sure your car drives straight and true on a level road. Try using one of your days off to take a short test drive to determine whether your vehicle needs a wheel alignment or a simple wheel balancing.
Wheel Alignment Needed?
The various components of your vehicle can all be adversely affected when wheels are out of alignment (i.e., engine performance, tire wear, smoothness of the ride, braking system). If you notice any of the following signs, a wheel alignment may be recommended by your auto mechanic:
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Pulling or drifting away from a straight line
- Wandering from side to side on a straight level road
- Spokes of the steering wheel off to one side while driving straight
If attention isn't given to correct wheel alignment while continuing to drive your car or truck, the larger the repair cost will be when the problem, along with any other resulting problems, is finally corrected.
Wheel Balancing Needed?
A vehicle that vibrates while driving may simply need a wheel balancing. One ounce of imbalance on a front tire is enough to cause a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel at about 60mph. Notice any of the following signs?
- Vibration in the steering wheel, seat or floorboard at certain highway speeds
- The scalloped or cupped wear pattern on the tires
Out-of-balance problems usually happen gradually. But if you notice a vibration that wasn't there the day before, it is possible that one of the lead balancing weights fell off. If you feel the vibration mostly in the steering wheel, the problem is likely in a front wheel. If you feel the vibration mostly in the seat, the problem is probably in the rear wheel.
Tip: For a smoother, worry-free ride, have all four wheels balanced or aligned as needed to get you safely to your destination.
Wondering if your vehicle needs a wheel alignment or a simple wheel balancing? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120 or go on-line at https://www.cannonautorepair.com for more information. They will be happy to help make your time on the road safe and enjoyable. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
Your vehicle may be bouncing and vibrating from more than roads liberally sprinkled with ruts and pot-holes. Before heading out the door on a winter road trip, or even just your commute to work or school, make sure your car drives straight and true on a level road. Try using one of your days off to take a short test drive to determine whether your vehicle needs a wheel alignment or a simple wheel balancing.
Wheel Alignment Needed?
The various components of your vehicle can all be adversely affected when wheels are out of alignment (i.e., engine performance, tire wear, smoothness of the ride, braking system). If you notice any of the following signs, a wheel alignment may be recommended by your auto mechanic:
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Pulling or drifting away from a straight line
- Wandering from side to side on a straight level road
- Spokes of the steering wheel off to one side while driving straight
If attention isn't given to correct wheel alignment while continuing to drive your car or truck, the larger the repair cost will be when the problem, along with any other resulting problems, is finally corrected.
Wheel Balancing Needed?
A vehicle that vibrates while driving may simply need a wheel balancing. One ounce of imbalance on a front tire is enough to cause a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel at about 60mph. Notice any of the following signs?
- Vibration in the steering wheel, seat or floorboard at certain highway speeds
- The scalloped or cupped wear pattern on the tires
Out-of-balance problems usually happen gradually. But if you notice a vibration that wasn't there the day before, it is possible that one of the lead balancing weights fell off. If you feel the vibration mostly in the steering wheel, the problem is likely in a front wheel. If you feel the vibration mostly in the seat, the problem is probably in the rear wheel.
Tip: For a smoother, worry-free ride, have all four wheels balanced or aligned as needed to get you safely to your destination.
Wondering if your vehicle needs a wheel alignment or a simple wheel balancing? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120 or go on-line at https://www.cannonautorepair.com for more information. They will be happy to help make your time on the road safe and enjoyable. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
