Your vehicle’s suspension system is the cornerstone of a smooth car ride as it directly navigates your wheels over the bumps and divots of the open road. However, over time, your suspension can fall out of alignment, reducing tire longevity, handling, fuel economy, and above all, the safety of your ride. Getting a wheel alignment adjusts the position of your wheels on your suspension system, and helps them make consistent contact with the roads. Let’s examine the importance of wheel alignment, and how a Kwik Kar near you in Austin can help you hit the open road quickly and at the right price!
Wheel Alignment with New Tires
Purchasing new tires for your car is an exciting and important investment. With the right auto car, new tires could potentially move your vehicle more 75,000 miles!Improper alignment within your suspension system could be the reason behind your need for new tires. So why start with new tires on a bad foundation? Start your new tires off right with a wheel alignment after your purchase.
Tire alignment for new tires improves tire longevity, promoting even wear and increased fuel efficiency. Even more important, aligning new tires guarantees smoother vehicle handling, preventing steering issues, and promotes a safer drive.
Do You Always Need an Alignment with New Tires?
We recommend it, but in certain situations you may not need it. For example, if you recently had your wheels aligned you probably don’t need to do it again until next year or the next 12,000 miles.
Likewise, if you see no signs of misalignment, like your car pulling to one side or your steering wheel is off-center, you may not need to give your new tire alignment services.
Remember, before shrugging alignment services off, always check with a professional Kwik Kar mechanic to evaluate your vehicle’s actual needs. We’re honest with our recommendations and will not recommend unnecessary services to make a quick sale.
Kwik Kar Locations for Wheel Alignment
Reasons You Need a Wheel Alignment
You may need a wheel alignment outside of obvious age and wear that can result in shaky steering wheels, poor fuel efficiency, and other reasons to schedule a wheel alignment.
Tire type and size can actually impact your alignment needs. If you place larger tires than what came with your vehicle, they will stretch the suspension and quickly put the tires out of alignment. These issues are typically found in larger, all-terrain tires.
Low-profile tires may offer improved handling, but their proximity to road bumps can accelerate the need for wheel alignment.Car modifications like lifts and lowering kits lead to wheels sometimes stretching the suspension system and forcing your need for consistent alignment services.
Driving habits and driving conditions are also major factors when your wheels go out of alignment. Off-roading presents dirt, bumps, and ditches that can shoot your suspension out of alignment. Other standard stop-and-go driving habits, like moving too quickly over speed bumps or hitting potholes and curbs can contribute to more frequent alignment needs.
Consequences of Skipping Wheel Alignment
Skipping wheel alignment can lead to various car problems including uneven tire wear, poor vehicle handling, and increased strain on your suspension system. Over time, these problems compromise your safety and lead to more expensive repairs, reducing your vehicle’s longevity and efficiency.
Tire Wear and Damage
Misaligned wheels cause the tires to make uneven contact with the road, leading to premature and uneven tire wear. If your misaligned tire has a camber, toe, or caster angle that is off, part of it will bear more load than others. This can result in bald spots, an increased risk of blowouts, and a shorter lifespan for your tires.
Impact on Vehicle Handling
Poor alignment negatively impacts vehicle handling, causing your car to pull to one side, making it harder to steer straight. This affects driving comfort and poses safety risks, especially in emergency situations where precise handling is crucial.
Long-Term Costs
Ignoring wheel alignment can lead to long-term damage to the suspension system, including worn-out shocks, struts, and ball joints. Repairing your suspension system can cost up to $5,000, and replacing them can far exceed the price of regular alignment services.
Alignment an Investment in Longevity
Getting wheel alignment with new tires means you’ll stay safer on the roads and maximize your tire investments. Remember, though, that this step may not be necessary if you’ve recently had an alignment or haven’t noticed the signs of misaligned wheels. 
Schedule an alignment at Kwik Kar Auto Service centers throughout Texas. To sweeten the pot, save $20 using Kwik Kar’s Wheel Alignment coupon at participating Kwik Kar locations!
Wheel Alignment FAQs
Can you get a wheel alignment on used tires?
Yes, you can get a wheel alignment on used tires. However, if the tires are already worn, you’re better off getting new tires and then investing in an alignment.
How often should wheel alignment be checked?
You’ll want to check your alignment every year, or every other oil change.
How do you know if you need a wheel alignment?
If your wheels begin to pull to one side, your steering wheel becomes more difficult to control, or you have a generally bumpy ride, these are all signs that it’s time to schedule a wheel alignment at a Kwik Kar near you.
How much is a wheel alignment at Kwik Kar
Wheel alignments at Kwik Kar start around $99 (*note starting prices vary per Kwik Kar Auto Repair shop. Call the Kwik Kar location near you for pricing.
