A tire or wheel alignment is the process of making sure your car’s suspension is adjusted correctly so your tires will be able to operate at their best.
The mechanics at your dealership have the training and experience to know how to correctly align your car so that the tires are hitting the road at the right angles and so that the whole car is balanced. Once your car is aligned, it will handle and drive better than it did before.
If you’re experiencing steering or handling problems with your car, it could be due to misaligned wheels.
To fix this, take your car to the dealership, and they’ll be able to check the camber, caster, and toe of your wheels for any signs of misalignment.
In most cases, they’ll also balance your tires at the same time as aligning the suspension so that you can enjoy the best driving experience possible.
There are a few key signs that your Honda might need an alignment. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s best to bring your car to the dealer to have it checked out.
By getting your car aligned, you can help ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are a few signs to look for:
– Uneven or premature tire wear
– Your car pulling to one side while driving
– Strange noises coming from your suspension system
If you notice any of these issues, don’t hesitate to bring your car in for an alignment. It’s a simple fix that can make a big difference in how your car runs.
1. The car “pulls” you to one side of the road or the other
If you feel your car pulling to one side while driving straight, this is a sign of misalignment.
It’s probably still drivable, but you should take it to the dealership for a new alignment. One way to tell is if the Honda emblem on the steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight.
Similarly, if you try to coast with the steering wheel straight and the car goes in one direction or the other, your car may need an alignment. Pulling can occur to the right or left – both are warning signs.
2. Uneven Tire Treads
If you notice that the treads on your tires are wearing out unevenly, with one tire wearing down quicker than the others, or if the tire is wearing out on only one edge, this is likely a sign of wheel misalignment.
Wheel misalignment is a common problem that can usually be fixed relatively easily, but it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible to avoid further damage or premature wear and tear.
Other suspension or brake issues could also be the cause of uneven tread wear, so if you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a professional.
As a general rule, you should rotate your tires every 5,000-6,000 miles, but if you notice severe tread wear, it’s best to get it checked out sooner rather than later.
3. Poor Steering and Turning
If you notice that your car’s steering wheel is unresponsive or that the car itself seems to be lagging, it could be an issue with the alignment.
This is especially true if, after making a turn, the car seems slow to return to its original position.
These warning signs could also be indicative of other problems, so be sure to bring your vehicle in for maintenance when you first notice the issue.
Another sign that your car might need an alignment is if it’s “crab walking” or if it seems to be moving slightly to the side even when the wheels are straight.
4. The steering wheel fails to return to center
When you turn your steering wheel all the way to the left or right and then let go, it should start returning to the center on its own as long as the vehicle is still moving.
However, you don’t need to take your hand completely off the steering wheel because you’ll still need to keep the car under control.
If the steering wheel starts veering off to one side or the other instead of returning back to the center, then you should have your alignment checked.
5. It’s Been 6,000 Miles Since Your Last Alignment
All tires should be balanced and aligned properly every 5,000-6,000 miles.
If it’s been more than this recommended benchmark and you begin to notice your vehicle pulling or vibrating, then it’s likely time for another alignment.
Bring your Honda to the dealership for an alignment every 6,000 miles or sooner if you start to experience these telltale signs. Try to couple it with your oil changes, so you don’t forget.
Wrapping Up
If your car is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, it may be time to have the tires aligned. This is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed when you bring your car in for an oil change.
Be sure to inform the mechanics of all the symptoms you’re experiencing so that they can make an accurate diagnosis and repair your car accordingly.
