Bump in the Road (Alignment)
February 16, 2025
There's something you can do that helps your tires last longer, wear more evenly and your vehicle handle better. "Sign me up," you say! Wondering what that is? It's aligning your wheels, and it will literally point you in the right direction when it comes to a better and safer driving experience.
When your vehicle was designed, the engineers made sure your tires were all pointing the same way by designing the suspension to make optimal contact with the road. That way the ride is smooth, you don't feel vibrations or shimmying and your vehicle travels in a straight line, without pulling to one side or the other.
Unfortunately, your vehicle is not brand new; time and distance take their toll. After hitting countless bumps, potholes, or the occasional curb, your suspension gets knocked a little out of kilter. Those precise angles the engineers planned on for your vehicle? They get out of whack
Uneven or premature tire wear is one of the first signs your alignment may be off. If you are driving straight and your steering wheel isn't pointing straight, that's another indication alignment might need checking. Tire squealing can also be a clue.
When you bring your vehicle in for an alignment, we use equipment designed to measure the tilts and angles of your suspension's parts. The technician will also check to see if any of the vehicle's suspension components are worn or broken. We will also check your steering angle sensor to make sure it's set properly.
The process is different for vehicles that are front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or 4-wheel drive.
After your alignment, your tires should wear more evenly, your steering should be straight and your wheels vibration-free. If it's been a while since you've had your vehicle aligned, bring it in and we'll check it. Usually, your alignment will be a little off after one or two years of driving, and it's wise to follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for how often your model should be checked.
ABC Auto Works
127 E. Walled Lake Drive
Walled Lake, Michigan 48390
800-742-4511
Need Service?
More articles from ABC Auto Repair & Tire Center

Control Arms: Small Part, Big Impact
September 27, 2026
Heres one part of your vehicle you may never have heard of: the control arm. Its the part that connects the wheel hub and steering knuckle to your vehicles frame. What it does is lets your wheel move up and down while keeping it aligned with your vehicle. Most control arms have things called ... More

Save Your Tires and Fuel: Why TPMS Is More Than a Warning Lightc
September 20, 2026
You know that little light on your dashboard that looks like a tire? Dont ignore it. Its a lot more than a warning light. Its trying to tell you something that can protect your tires, improve your fuel economy and keep your vehicle traveling safely down the road. Its called TPMS. The abbreviati... More

Smooth Moves
September 13, 2026
Stop for a moment and think of whats holding that heavy engine that sits under your vehicles hood to your vehicles frame. Your engine weighs hundreds of pounds, so its a big burden on those things that are holding it in place. Same is true for what holds your vehicles transmission in place. The... More
