How Often Should You Get an Alignment?
You probably know that following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule is the best way to keep it in good condition. Of course, you may have questions about specific services, and wheel alignment is one of those services. At LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT (CDJRF) of Lansing, many customers ask, "How often should you get an alignment?”
Though it varies, alignment is often needed every two to three years, and we created this guide to help our friends near Lansing, East Lansing, and Pottersville, Michigan. In this article, we'll delve into the importance of vehicle alignment and answer the burning question: How often should you get an alignment?
What is Vehicle Alignment?
First, let's talk about what an alignment is. You may hear this form of auto service called “tire alignment” or “wheel alignment.” They both mean the same thing. An alignment service is necessary to ensure that your car can drive in the direction you want it to go.
An alignment is a precise adjustment of your car's suspension components to ensure that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. In simpler terms, it's about keeping your wheels pointed in the right direction.
If you're wondering how often you should get an alignment, every two to three years is a good time frame. There are specific signs you can watch out for to know if it might be time to schedule service. These common signs of alignment issues include:
- Uneven Tire Wear: If you notice uneven wear on your tires, especially on the edges, it clearly indicates that your wheels are out of alignment.
- Pulling to One Side: Does your car tend to drift to the left or right when you're driving on a straight road? This could be a sign of alignment issues.
- Steering Wheel Off-Center: When your steering wheel isn't straight when driving straight, it's a sign that your wheels need adjustment.
- Vibrations or Shaking: Experiencing vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel or the entire car can indicate alignment problems.
If you notice your car is drifting to one side, the tires are wearing unevenly, or your vehicle is experiencing different sensations, scheduling an alignment service can help you protect your car’s performance and stay safe.
Now that you know the importance of alignment and the signs you need one, let's explore how the process is performed. Our trained service technicians have specialized tools they can use to get your car back into ideal shape.
The technician will examine your tires, suspension components, and steering system to identify any issues. Specialized machines can then measure the precise angle of your wheels, and the technician can use this information to get your wheels back into proper position.
After adjustments, a team member will test drive the vehicle to ensure it handles correctly. They’ll then perform one final check before handing the keys back to you.
We hope this guide to “How often should you get an alignment?” has helped. So, are you a driver near Lansing, East Lansing, and Pottersville, MI, ready to get an alignment? You can schedule yours with us at LaFontaine CDJRF of Lansing!
| Monday | 9:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 10:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8:00AM - 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 5:30PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 5:30PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 5:30PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |