WHY A WHEEL ALIGNMENT IS IMPORTANT FOLLOWING AN IMPACT OR COLLISION
Bryna Christensen • February 24, 2025
Misalignment can have serious consequences
Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a more significant collision, any impact can have hidden effects on your vehicle that aren’t always immediately noticeable. One critical aspect of your vehicle’s health that can be compromised in an accident is its wheel alignment. Ensuring your wheels are properly aligned after an impact is crucial for several reasons, and neglecting this essential maintenance step can lead to more significant issues down the road.
1. PRESERVING TIRE HEALTH: A misaligned wheel can cause uneven tire wear, which reduces the lifespan of your tires. If your wheels are not aligned correctly, certain areas of the tires may wear out faster than others, leading to a need for premature replacement. Given the cost of tires, keeping them in good condition is vital, and a proper wheel alignment is a key part of that.
2. ENSURING SAFE HANDLING: Your vehicle’s handling is directly affected by its wheel alignment. Misalignment can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, making it difficult to maintain a straight path. This not only makes driving more challenging but can also be dangerous, especially in emergency situations where precise control is essential. After any impact, it’s important to check the alignment to ensure your vehicle handles as it should.
3. IMPROVING FUEL EFFICIENCY:
When your wheels are misaligned, your vehicle has to work harder to move down the road. This extra effort results in higher fuel consumption, which means you’ll be spending more at the pump. By ensuring your wheels are properly aligned, you can improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
4. PREVENTING LONG-TERM DAMAGE: A seemingly minor misalignment can lead to more significant issues if left unaddressed. Misalignment can put undue stress on your vehicle’s suspension and steering components, leading to early wear and potential failure. By correcting the alignment after an impact, you can avoid more costly repairs down the line and extend the life of your vehicle’s critical systems.
5. MAINTAINING VEHICLE STABILITY: Proper alignment ensures that all four wheels work in harmony, providing stability and balance while driving. A misaligned vehicle can feel unstable, particularly at higher speeds or when making sharp turns. This instability not only makes for an uncomfortable ride but also increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
Following any impact or collision, it’s essential to have your vehicle’s wheel alignment checked by a professional. While the damage may not be visible, misalignment can have serious consequences for your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. At Eureka Brake & Automotive,
we specialize in wheel alignments and can help ensure your vehicle is in top condition after an accident. Don’t let a minor issue turn into a major problem—schedule your wheel alignment with us today!
Schedule online or call us now at 707-443-2122!
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