Sep 13, 2024
A mechanic performing a tire and wheel alignment on a Chevy vehicle. - Jim Turner Chevrolet McGregor, TX

Wheel alignment, also known as tracking, involves adjusting the angles of your wheels to ensure your car travels straight and evenly on the road. Driving on misaligned wheels causes rapid thinning of tire treads and poor performance. Your Chevy dealerĀ has the necessary tools and experience to balance your wheels to ensure you have comfortable rides.

The Importance of Wheel Alignment for Your Chevy

1. Improved Handling and Performance

Steering your vehicle is often difficult when the wheels are out of alignment. Your car tends to pull to one side, causing jarring, bumpy, or uneven rides. You may be required to hold the steering wheel at an uncomfortable angle to steer correctly. Compensating for misalignment by adjusting the steering is tiresome and distracting, increasing the risk of road accidents. Aligning your wheels helps make your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.


2. Extended Tire Life

When your wheels are properly aligned, the vehicle’s weight is evenly distributed across all tires, reducing uneven wear and extending tire life. If you have misaligned wheels, certain tires may bear more weight than others, causing premature, rapid or uneven tread wear.


3. Better Fuel Efficiency

Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance, requiring the engine to work harder to move the car. Proper alignment ensures the vehicle’s suspension and drivetrain operate efficiently, minimizing the overall energy needed to maintain speed and improve fuel economy.


4. Improved Safety

Properly aligned wheels ensure your vehicle responds quickly to steering inputs, allowing you to always be in control. This enhances safety, especially during emergencies and sudden maneuvers.


5. Fewer Auto Repairs

In addition to your tires, misaligned wheels can affect several other car components. These include differentials, transmission and brakes. Misaligned wheels cause more strain on vehicle systems, leading to more costly repairs. When all your wheels are well-balanced, you won’t have to worry about the extra costs required to repair other damaged components.


6. Reduced Engine Noise

Correctly aligned wheels rotate smoothly along the road surface. If they’re out of alignment, they’ll create a thumping noise. If you’re hearing strange noises from your vehicle, have it immediately checked by a mechanic. They can easily determine if your wheels are the source of the problem, and if so, they’ll realign them to stop the noises.


Visit Your Chevy Dealership for More Details About Wheel Tracking

Sudden impact from hitting the hard edge of a pothole, carrying excess loads, or driving too fast over a speed bump are some of the reasons your vehicle may fall out of alignment. Our dealership will give you tips on regular maintenance to help prevent car misalignment.

Need a reliable dealership for all your automotive services? Stop by Jim Turner Chevrolet in McGregor, TX, today.