Fast Lane Automotive warns that it is much easier to knock your wheels out of alignment than you might realize. Everyday driving can affect your wheel alignment, especially if you take road hazards with a grain of salt. Let’s talk about the common things that ruin your wheel alignment below so you can avoid them.
Accidents
Even minor fender-benders can knock your wheels out of alignment depending on how your car, truck, utility vehicle, or van was hit. Serious automobile accidents will definitely knock your wheels out of alignment, especially if there is severe body and tire damage. Have your alignment checked after any accident in which you are involved.
Bumps
Sometimes, it’s hard to see the bumps in the road until you drive over them. Keep a wary eye ahead of you and all around you for optimal safety but also to spot bumps so you can slow down. Driving over bumps jolt your wheels upward and this can knock the wheels out of alignment. It’s better to take it slow over bumps.
Curbs
If you misjudge a curb while you are turning around it and hit it, you can knock your wheels out of alignment. When you make contact with the curb, the wheel that is affected is jolted inward. Your wheels are aligned two ways. The first way is from top to bottom and the second way is from side to side. Curbs easily knock the wheels out of their alignment.
Potholes
As do potholes. Potholes can damage your wheel alignment, your suspension, and your tires. Potholes are merciless when it comes to your automobile. Driving through them too fast can even break an axle. We cannot stress enough how important it is to slow down before you drive through a pothole.
Speed Bumps
The recommended speed to drive over speed bumps is no faster than five miles per hour. If you drive any faster than that, you not only run the risk of knocking your wheels out of alignment but also damaging your suspension. It’s also never a good idea to drive over concrete parking markers.
Zero Maintenance
Finally, wheel alignments are important to your vehicle’s maintenance. On average, the wheels should be realigned every two years at a maximum. If you do a lot of driving or are hard on your automobile, you may need to get the wheels aligned annually.
We can help you with that here at Fast Lane Automotive in Orlando, FL. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
