How to Prevent Bad Alignment
Driving down the road, everything feels great—until your car starts pulling to one side, or your steering wheel feels off-center. Sound familiar? These are signs of front-end misalignment, and they can cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even lower fuel efficiency. The good news? Learning how to prevent bad alignment can save you time, money, and frustration. At Fiesta Kia in Albuquerque, NM, we’re breaking down the top five causes of misalignment and what you can do to keep your wheels straight and steady.
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What Are the Top Five Causes of Misalignment?
Here are the top five causes of misalignment:
1. Potholes and Road Hazards
Ever hit a pothole so hard it made your teeth chatter? Those sudden jolts do more than just rattle your nerves—they can throw your wheels out of alignment. Even smaller road imperfections like speed bumps and railroad tracks can cause gradual misalignment over time. To protect your car, drive cautiously over rough roads and try to avoid potholes when possible.
2. Hitting Curbs
It happens—you misjudge a turn or park a little too close to the curb. While it might seem minor, hitting curbs at the wrong angle can knock your wheels out of alignment. This is especially true if it happens frequently. Try to give curbs some space when parking, and if you do bump one, pay attention to any changes in your car’s handling.
3. Worn Suspension Components
Over time, your car’s suspension takes a beating from daily driving. Parts like control arms, shocks, and struts wear out, leading to alignment issues. Regular suspension checks and replacing worn components can help maintain proper wheel alignment and keep your car handling the way it should.
4. Accidents and Collisions
Even a minor fender bender can affect your car’s alignment. The force of impact can shift suspension parts or bend essential components. If you’ve been in an accident—even a small one—it’s a good idea to get your alignment checked to avoid long-term damage.
5. Uneven Tire Pressure
It might surprise you, but something as simple as uneven tire pressure can lead to alignment problems. If one tire has significantly more or less air than the others, it can cause the vehicle to sit unevenly, gradually affecting alignment. Check your tire pressure regularly to avoid this issue.
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Keep Your Alignment in Check in Albuquerque, NM!
The best way to prevent misalignment? Drive carefully, keep up with routine maintenance, and schedule regular alignment checks. At Fiesta Kia in Albuquerque, NM, our expert technicians can inspect and adjust your alignment to keep your car driving straight and true. If you notice signs of misalignment, don’t wait—bring your vehicle in for a check-up and keep those wheels rolling the right way!
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