Why Alignment Matters: Protecting Your Tires and Suspension

If your car tends to drift to one side when you’re driving straight or your steering wheel feels off-center, you might be dealing with poor wheel alignment. While it may seem like a minor issue, alignment plays a major role in how your vehicle handles, how your tires wear, and how long your suspension components last. 

At Boggs Automotive, we know understanding alignment can save you money and keep you safer on the road.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to how your vehicle’s tires are angled in relation to the road and to each other. A proper alignment ensures that your wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.

Over time, things like potholes, curb bumps, and everyday wear and tear can throw your alignment out of balance.

How Poor Alignment Hurts Your Car

Misalignment can quietly lead to a variety of expensive problems.

1. Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear

Poor alignment causes tires to wear down unevenly. Instead of wearing evenly across the tread, misaligned wheels can wear the inner or outer edges faster. That shortens tire lifespan significantly, meaning you’ll be replacing them sooner than you should.

2. Steering and Handling Issues

A vehicle with poor alignment can feel unstable or pull to one side. You might find yourself constantly correcting the steering just to stay in your lane. Over time, this puts extra strain on your steering components and increases your risk of accidents.

3. Strain on Suspension Components

Your suspension system (shocks, struts, control arms, and more) absorbs a lot of the force from misaligned wheels. Constant stress in the wrong direction can lead to premature wear, more frequent repairs, and a rougher ride overall.

4. Reduced Fuel Efficiency

If your wheels aren’t aligned correctly, your engine has to work harder to push the car forward. That extra resistance reduces fuel economy, costing you more at the pump.

Signs You Might Need An Alignment

Wondering if your car needs a professional alignment check? Look for these warning signs:

• Vehicle pulls to the left or right
• Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
• Vibrations or a shaky steering wheel
• Uneven tire wear patterns
• You’ve recently hit a curb or pothole

If you’re noticing any of these, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in for a quick inspection.
How Often Should You Check Alignment?

At Boggs Automotive, we recommend checking your alignment:

• Once a year, as part of regular maintenance
• When you get new tires installed
• After any major suspension or steering repairs
• After hitting a large pothole or curb

Regular checks can prevent small problems from turning into big ones!

Protect Your Investment With Proper Alignment

Your tires and suspension are major investments in your vehicle. A simple alignment service can extend the life of both, improve your ride, and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

At Boggs Automotive, we use precise alignment technology to get your wheels set exactly where they should be. Whether you drive a car, truck, or SUV, our team is here to keep your vehicle driving straight and smooth.

Ready for an alignment check? Contact Boggs Automotive today to schedule your appointment and keep your ride rolling safely. We can perform alignments at our Lake Street location in Warsaw and at our newest location in Syracuse, IN.