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If you've ever driven a vehicle that was out of alignment and had it corrected, then you're familiar with the impact that wheel alignment has on your driving experience. Misaligned wheels affect handling, tire wear, and fuel efficiency. With the average driver logging thousands of miles each year, there's more chances for the alignment to shift, whether from regular wear-and-tear of suspension components or through repeated impacts with pot holes and curbs. That's why, in addition to the recommendation to have a wheel alignment inspection when installing new tires, it's also recommended that you incorporate a yearly inspection into your vehicle's maintenance plan.

But let's take a closer look at why an annual wheel alignment inspection is worth it:

You Might Not Realize Your Vehicle is Out of Alignment if the Shift is Small

Misalignment can occur gradually and when the shift it small, it often goes unnoticed. However, this doesn't mean it's not having an impact on your tires. Over time, even minor misalignments can lead to uneven tire wear and reduced fuel efficiency. While you may not feel the subtle shifts in steering or handling, your tires will be contending with the alignment shift until it is caught and corrected, which can be many miles of driving, ultimately adding up to increased wear and costs down the road. There's also the risk that you'll become accustomed to how your vehicle drives when out of alignment if the changes happen slowly, so when signs that would have been more noticeable begin appearing, you may not catch them. By investing in a yearly alignment, you have a chance to catch small alignment shifts and readjust them, prolonging the life of your tires.

The "Worst Case Scenario" is Still Good

Think about it. The "worst-case scenario" to scheduling a yearly alignment is that your alignment is already in perfect condition, in which case you'll walk away with documentation confirming that everything is in order. If you're worried about spending time and money on an inspection because it may or may not be needed, schedule it with other vehicle maintenance. In fact, that's a great way to save time and money, because you can have multiple services done at once vs scheduling multiple trips to the service center. While not every alignment inspection may result in a need for adjustments, it doesn't make it any less of a good habit to get into since you won't want to miss the year where adjustments need to be made.

Schedule a Wheel Alignment Inspection with Avon Auto & Truck and Alpine Tire Co.

Make this the year you add wheel alignment checks to your vehicle's maintenance plan. At our locations in Avon, CO and Glenwood Springs, CO, we provide wheel alignment services. Our technicians will inspect your wheels, checking that they are properly aligned. A vehicle that is in alignment will  have enhanced handling, extended tire life, and a better overall driving experience compared to misaligned vehicles. Schedule an inspection today, alongside other preventative maintenance, and keep your vehicle running at its best.