Have you noticed your Chevy truck seems to be drifting to the left or right side of the road lately? Maybe the steering wheel is off-kilter or you’re finding it harder to steer.
If so, it may be time to schedule an alignment service with our technicians. Learn more about tire alignments below, why they’re important, and how to know when it’s time to bring your truck in for an inspection.
A tire alignment or a wheel alignment is a process that involves correcting the angles of your truck’s wheels. Having the correct angles keeps your truck riding smoothly and safely and keeps the tires from wearing out too quickly and unevenly. Proper alignment can even support fuel efficiency.
That’s why it’s important to schedule an inspection if you suspect your truck needs an alignment. So how do you know when your Chevy truck needs an alignment? Learn some of the symptoms below!
If you experience any of the following symptoms, there’s a good chance it’s time for a vehicle alignment service. Here’s what to look out for:
Your Chevy pulls to one side as you drive.
Misalignment can cause your truck to pull to either side of the road.
A drop in fuel efficiency.
If alignment is off, rolling resistance increases, making the engine work harder, and therefore using up more gas.
Issues with the steering wheel.
You may notice that the steering wheel is off-kilter, vibrates, or feels loose.
The tires are wearing out unevenly or faster than normal.
Misalignment can shorten the lifespan of your tires.
The tires squeal.
You may hear squealing whenever you take a corner.
Test It Out
Before you schedule an alignment service, you can run a simple alignment test yourself. First, check to make sure each tire has the correct pressure, because different tire pressures can also make your truck pull to the side. Next, pick a safe, flat spot, such as a deserted parking lot, to drive your vehicle on.
Drive straight at a slow pace, and when it is safe to do so, take your hands off the steering wheel for a few moments. Notice how your truck behaves. Is it pulling to either side? Is the steering wheel crooked? If so, there’s a good chance it’s time for a Chevy wheel alignment service.
Don’t forget to look at your tires, too. If they’re showing signs of uneven wear, misalignment may be the cause.
Driving over a pothole, hitting the curb, or driving over a speed bump too quickly can all contribute to wheel misalignment. A car accident, including a fender bender, can also cause misalignment. Another culprit can be worn out suspension parts.
Mindful driving is one of the ways you can help keep wheel misalignment at bay. Look out for potholes, slow down for speed bumps, and stay aware of curbs.
Not only can a wheel misalignment negatively impact your time on the road, it can also become a safety issue, so don’t wait to make an appointment with our Chevy service experts if you notice any of the symptoms of a misalignment.
Kelley Blue Book recommends getting your alignment checked with every tire rotation — around six months or 6,000 miles. But if you notice any signs of misalignment before then, go ahead and bring your vehicle in.
Our experienced technicians are here to get your Chevy back on track. We have the tools and equipment needed to correctly perform a wheel alignment. We’ll check your truck’s alignment, then make the necessary corrections to the wheel angles, if needed, following manufacturer specifications.
When was the last time you brought your Chevy in for an alignment service? If it’s been longer than six months, consider having your alignment checked at Team Chevrolet of Salisbury.
If your truck is pulling, the steering wheel feels different, the tires are wearing unevenly or are squealing, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. We’ll take a look at your truck and get it back on track promptly! You can trust our technicians to perform the job thoroughly every time, so schedule a truck wheel alignment near you today!
