Springtime in Colorado brings beautiful scenery and warmer weather, but it also brings something less desirable—potholes. These road hazards can wreak havoc on your car's alignment, causing a range of issues that can affect your driving experience and safety.
The Problem with Colorado Potholes
As the snow and ice melt away, they reveal the damage left behind on the roads—potholes of all shapes and sizes. These craters form when water seeps into cracks in the pavement, freezing and expanding and then thawing, leaving gaps. As cars drive over these weakened spots, the pavement collapses, creating potholes that can vary in depth and severity.
How Potholes Affect Your Car's Alignment
When you hit a pothole, your car's suspension system absorbs the impact to protect you and your vehicle. However, this can throw off your car's alignment, causing it to pull to one side, vibrate, or experience uneven tire wear. If left unchecked, misaligned wheels can lead to more serious issues, including premature tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling.
Signs of Alignment Problems
Paying attention to signs that your car's alignment may be off is essential. These can include a steering wheel that isn't centered, uneven tire wear, or a vehicle that pulls to one side while driving. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to have your alignment checked and corrected promptly to prevent further damage.
Alignment Process
During an alignment procedure, we adjust the wheel angles to ensure they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. This process involves using specialized equipment to measure the current alignment angles and make adjustments as necessary. Our technician will adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles to the manufacturer's specifications, ensuring optimal handling, tire wear, and overall vehicle performance.
Preventing Alignment Issues
While it's impossible to avoid every pothole on Colorado roads, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of alignment problems. Avoid driving over potholes whenever possible, and if you can't avoid them, slow down to reduce the impact. Regularly inspect your tires and suspension system for signs of wear or damage, and have your alignment checked regularly by South Denver Automotive.
Q&A Section
What are the signs of misaligned tires?
- Steering wheel is not centered
- Uneven tire wear
- Vehicle pulls to one side while driving
What causes alignment problems in cars?
Alignment problems can be caused by factors such as hitting potholes, driving over rough terrain, or simply normal wear and tear on the suspension components.
How often should I have my car's alignment checked?
It's recommended to have your car's alignment checked at least once a year or if you notice any signs of misalignment.
Can alignment issues affect my car's performance?
Yes, misaligned wheels can decrease fuel efficiency, cause uneven tire wear, and compromise handling and safety on the road.
Get back on track with South Denver Automotive's expert alignment services. Improve your vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency, and safety by scheduling an appointment now.