Prevent Tire Wear by Having Your Alignment and Suspension Checked

Proper alignment ensures your car handles correctly, preserves tire life, and operates safely. The suspension system involves many components that work together to soak up and reduce shock from the road and help keep tires in contact with the ground. Both are vital for your vehicle’s safety and performance, ensuring proper handling and tire wear. Make a quick service appointment at Russ Darrow to check your alignment and suspension before you run into problems.

It helps to understand what alignment and suspension on your vehicle are and how their proper functioning helps your driving experience. Wheel alignment refers to the angles at which your wheels are set relative to each other and the vehicle body. Proper alignment guarantees all four wheels point in the correct direction, allowing for straight tracking and even tire wear. The suspension system is the complex network of springs, shocks (or struts), linkages, and other components that connect the wheels to the vehicle’s body. Its primary function is to absorb impacts from the road, maintain tire contact with the surface, and control body roll and movement. When alignment is off, you’ll notice it in how your car handles – the car might swerve to the left or right, even when holding the steering wheel straight. It might not feel stable at highway speeds or loose or unresponsive when turning, making it difficult to maintain control. A worn or damaged suspension system can significantly impair handling, causing the car to lean excessively in corners, reduce stability and control, bounce continuously after hitting bumps, and cause excessive front or rear dip during braking or acceleration. Have your alignment and suspension checked at a Russ Darrow Service facility to ensure proper handling and tire wear.

It’s important to understand how worn shocks or struts can affect how your tires wear. It can cause tires to bounce on the road, resulting in uneven or accelerated wear. A worn suspension can also cause uneven weight distribution on your tires, leading to one wearing out faster than others. Uneven tire wear is like a message from your car’s alignment and suspension systems. Feathering, scalloping, or disproportionate tire wear on one side can indicate misaligned wheels or worn shocks, emphasizing the importance of regular tire and suspension checks. If you notice any issues with how your vehicle rides or can see uneven wear on your tires, schedule an appointment at Russ Darrow. Investing in proper alignment and suspension maintenance is not just about enjoying a smooth ride. Maintaining optimal handling and control reduces the risk of accidents. You’ll save money on tire replacements, as even tire wear extends tire lifespan, and money on gas. Proper alignment can even improve fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance. Issues with your vehicle can be avoided by keeping up with routine maintenance.

A good rule of thumb is to check your wheel alignment every 12,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Have our professional mechanics inspect your suspension system periodically, especially if you notice unusual handling characteristics or suspect worn components.  Rotate your tires every 5,000 – 7,500 miles and make sure they are at the proper pressure. Pay close attention to any changes in your vehicle’s handling and address them promptly. The certified technicians at Russ Darrow are fully equipped to provide the automotive care you need, from oil changes to wheel alignments, suspension checks, battery replacements, and significant repairs to engines and transmissions. Easily schedule an appointment online for any vehicle service or regular maintenance, and keep your car, truck, or SUV running and driving at its best. Paying close attention to vital components and adhering to a routine maintenance schedule can ensure your vehicle performs optimally, keeps you safe, and saves you money in the long run. Ensure proper handling and tire wear by checking your alignment and suspension at Russ Darrow today!