Responsible auto owners know the importance of maintaining their vehicles to keep them in top running condition while maximizing safety. According to Statista, the United States had around 239,000 auto service centers in 2021 that motorists could use to maintain and repair their vehicles. Many motorists, though, overlook the importance of getting their wheels aligned, which ensures all four wheels are properly aligned so that your vehicle drives in a naturally straight path. The following are some of the many benefits of getting a two or four-wheel alignment service done on your vehicle.

Better Steering and Handling

Misaligned wheels will cause your vehicle to consistently pull in the same direction when you're trying to go straight ahead. If you catch yourself continually adjusting the steering wheel to maintain a straight travel path, you should have the alignment checked. A front-wheel drive vehicle would need a two-wheel alignment up front, while a 4X4, AWD, or a rear-wheel drive requires all four wheels to be properly aligned. Once done, your vehicle will steer and handle much better.

Longer Tread Life

Tires come with an expected service life that often is many tens of thousands of miles, according to Consumer Reports, a marketplace research organization. You need to regularly rotate them to get the best service life, but misaligned wheels cause excessive wear and tear on your tires. Getting your wheels aligned will help to even out the tread wear on your tires and help you to get the longest service life from them.

Improved Fuel Economy

A set of properly aligned wheels enables your vehicle to get the best possible fuel economy by not wasting any of the energy produced by the engine. Instead of fighting your car to stay between the lines, your vehicle will use less energy to reach your preferred travel speed and stay under control. You get better fuel economy and a safer, more comfortable ride.

Fewer Front-End Repairs

The longer you drive a vehicle that needs the wheels aligned, the more likely some of the front-end parts will suffer from premature wear and tear. Tie rod ends and ball joints in particular might wear out sooner, which could make your driving more treacherous. A wheel alignment service can help you to get the maximum service life from the suspension and chassis and reduce the need for front-end maintenance and repairs.

If your vehicle has become more erratic to handle or your tires are wearing unevenly, it's important you promptly seek assistance getting your wheels aligned. Franks Tire & Automotive is here to help. You can call or stop by our shop today to schedule a wheel alignment inspection and service.