The Importance of Wheel Alignment in Mazdas: Symptoms and Solutions

Have you noticed a slight roughening to your car’s handling? Is your steering wheel off-center, or is your car refusing to drive perfectly straight? These and the other issues below might indicate misaligned wheels, which occurs in most cars over time. If you routinely have wheel alignment at your local Mazda dealership, you’ll avoid the worst symptoms and risks that result from misaligned wheels. 

The Importance of Wheel Alignment in Mazdas: Symptoms and Solutions

Offset Steering Wheel

When all’s well with your car, the steering wheel should be sitting centered when you’re not turning it. If you find yourself needing to hold the wheel at an angle to keep going straight, you probably have misaligned wheels. 

Steering Wheel Slow To Centralize

After cornering, when you release the steering wheel, it should also return smoothly to its centered position. If your steering wheel seems reluctant to do this, you likely have the same problem. 

Drifting to One Side

If one or more of your wheels is slightly angled, it will pull the car in that direction. In this situation, you’ll need to hold the wheel slightly off-center to stay in the middle of your lane. If you know that centering the wheel will see your car veer off the road, have your wheels realigned at once.  

Harder Handling 

Cars are designed to have all four wheels perfectly parallel and aligned. As soon as one or more wheels become edged out of shape by knocks against curbs or potholes, your overall handling with diminish. This lessens your control over the vehicle, which poses a safety threat.

Strange Vibrations 

Misaligned wheels also create more friction and road noise. You’ll find your ordinarily smooth drives becoming steadily noisier with excess vibrations. In particular, the steering wheel is likely to vibrate strangely. 

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

The extra friction generated by misaligned wheels means your engine needs to burn more fuel for each mile you travel. As a result, you may notice an increase in your monthly fuel expenses. 

Uneven or Squealing Tires

Misaligned wheels accelerate uneven tire wear, reducing the lifespan of your tires. If you notice your tires wearing down in mismatching patterns, your wheels may be to blame. Misaligned wheels also put awkward pressure on the tires, which can cause them to squeal loudly when you corner. 

The Solution: Wheel Realignment at Your Local Mazda Dealership

Wheel realignment is a delicate process involving a sophisticated alignment machine that precisely measures camber, caster, and toe alignment. Working with the machine, the technicians carefully adjust the suspension for each wheel until all four are perfectly parallel once again. 

Have your car’s wheels realigned today at Acadiana Mazda in Lafayette, LA. We’re a local family-owned and run dealership that promises prompt, hassle-free service, whatever your automotive purchasing or servicing needs may be. 

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