Tips & Tricks
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How often should I "ALIGN" my vehicle?
An alignment inspection should be performed when one of the following occurs.
- Damage that may have occurred by hitting a pot hole, curb, or other object
- Abnormal tire wear – feathering on the edges, cupping or chopping on the tread, etc
- After a new vehicle has about 10,000 miles (You would be surprised how many experience changes in alignment settings after their first 10,000 miles).
When a vehicle’s alignment is out of specification due to contact with a foreign object, it is extremely important to check the alignment specifications as soon as possible. If the settings are out of spec, tires will wear out faster than they normally would. Abnormal tire wear is when the face of the tire is worn unevenly (not straight across). If you notice this kind of wear or wear that looks abnormal, drop by your Colorado Select Autocare Center to make sure your vehicle is still within the factory specifications.
- New tires – having the proper alignment will help your new ties last longer
- Steering “feels” different or the vehicle “pulls’ to one side of the road
You are familiar with your vehicle’s handling but wear on components can happen over time and the changes in alignment and handling can be so subtle that you may just get used to driving the vehicle this way. By having an ASE Certified Technician inspect and test-drive your vehicle he or she can help you identify these problems.
- Scheduled maintenance – components wear naturally so having your alignment checked twice a year is great preventive maintenance.
Another time is on a schedule maintenance program, usually twice a year or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. By performing preventive maintenance you will gain the best possible fuel mileage as there is less rolling resistance when the wheels are aligned properly. You also put less stress on suspension and steering components when your wheels are properly aligned. By properly maintaining your vehicle you save yourself valuable time and money.
Drop by your local Colorado Select AutoCare Center for an alignment inspection today. |
