The Importance of Wheel Alignment in Your VW: Signs to Watch For

Proper wheel alignment is vital for your Volkswagen’s performance on the road. When your vehicle’s wheels are correctly aligned, your tires wear evenly, enhancing your vehicle’s grip on the road and prolonging the lifespan of your tires. This results in better handling, a smoother ride, and even fuel savings. Look out for the following signs from your Volkswagen dealer that warn you when to align your wheels.

The Importance of Wheel Alignment in Your VW: Signs to Watch For

You Notice Abnormal Tire Wear

When your Volkswagen’s wheels are not properly aligned, your tires may not make even contact with the road surface. Misalignment will cause your tires to wear down unevenly. Uneven wear will impact your vehicle’s traction and handling and significantly reduce the lifespan of your tires.
Check your tires and compare the tread depth on the inner and outer edges of the tires. If you notice uneven wear, have your Volkswagen technician conduct a tire inspection and perform an alignment if necessary.

Your Steering Wheel Shakes or Vibrates

If your wheels are out of alignment, it may cause uneven tire wear. Tires that are not making even contact with the road could cause shaking or vibrations you will feel in the steering wheel. Aligning your wheels will minimize vibrations, improve your driving comfort, and greatly enhance your vehicle’s maneuverability, especially when going through corners or making quick turns.

Your Steering Wheel Is Off-Center

When you’re driving straight, your steering wheel should be perfectly centered. If you find yourself constantly adjusting it to keep straight or if it doesn’t return to the center after turning, your wheels are out of alignment. The correct alignment will ensure your Volkswagen responds accurately to steering inputs, ensuring you are in complete control of your vehicle.

Your Car Veers to the Side

If your vehicle veers to one side without your input, it’s time to consider getting an alignment check, as this will greatly affect your control over your vehicle and your safety. Veering is caused by the angles at which your wheels meet the road, indicating that your wheels may not be aligned parallel to each other. Proper alignment will prevent your Volkswagen from veering to the side at higher speeds.

Your Car Is Heavy on Gas

If you notice you’re filling up your gas tank more often, it could be due to misalignment issues. Improper alignment creates unnecessary friction, forcing your engine to work harder and increasing fuel consumption. Ensuring your wheels are correctly aligned will reduce rolling resistance, lessen the strain on your engine, and lower your fuel costs.

If you notice signs of alignment issues, have your Volkswagen’s wheels inspected and aligned as soon as possible to prevent excessive wear and damage to your suspension, steering, and tires. Swing by Tony Volkswagen in Waipahu, HI, today for an alignment to improve your Volkswagen’s handling, traction, and fuel consumption.

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