Is It Time for a Wheel Alignment?

What Is It?

First things first. You’ve probably heard you need to be sure your vehicle has proper wheel alignment, but maybe you’re unsure of exactly what that means. That’s okay. Blue Ridge Truck and Auto in Salem, Virginia, is here to help. Wheel alignment refers to the major suspension angles (camber, caster, toe, and thrust). Basically, these represent the relationship of your wheels to one another as well as the way your automobile’s body connects through the wheels/tire to the road. Wheel alignment impacts steering, handling, safety, and tire wear.

How Will You Know?

There are various questions to ask yourself that will provide reminders as to when your vehicle needs a wheel alignment. Has your car had this done recently? It’s a good practice to get a routine check and alignment periodically. Check your owner’s manual or talk with one of our ASE certified technicians for recommendations. Has there been an impact? Even a minor traffic accident can affect wheel alignment, so don’t neglect your auto after a collision. Has the journey been a rough one? Traumatizing your suspension system by hitting a major pothole, jumping a curb, or even simply traveling over bumpy roads day after day can lead to misalignment. If these driving conditions apply to you, it’s likely that your car might need attention sooner rather than later. Are you seeing uneven tire wear? When some spots are worn more than others, that’s almost always a signal that the alignment is off. Finally, are you buying new tires? It’s a great idea to get a wheel alignment to coincide with your purchase. This will help you head off wear pattern problems before they begin.

Where Do You Go?

Blue Ridge Truck and Auto is your answer if you’re wondering where to go for wheel alignment help. Whether you need to have the suspension angles checked or are ready to obtain a wheel alignment, we look forward to serving you. Since 1983, we’ve been helping area drivers with this and all other related tire and suspension system services. We’re open to assist you at our Salem location Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am until 5:30 pm.