What Is Wheel Alignment and Why Does It Matter?

Proper tire maintenance can often be overlooked. Regular maintenance, like wheel alignment and tire rotation at your Kia dealer, can do a lot to increase the lifespan of your tires and help your car perform better.

What Is Wheel Alignment and Why Does It Matter?

Your tires need to be correctly aligned for even wear and proper handling. Alignment issues can stem from everyday driving activities like hitting potholes, bumping into concrete parking slabs, or regular wear and tear. It’s essential to have your alignment checked annually or whenever you notice unusual handling issues or tire wear patterns.

Tire alignments involve adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the car manufacturer’s specifications. These adjustments ensure that your tires make the best possible contact with the road. Proper alignment helps your Kia drive smoother, increases the life of your tires, enhances fuel efficiency, and improves your overall safety.

What’s the Big Deal With Tire Rotation?

Rotating your tires involves moving tires to different positions on your vehicle, such as from front to back or side to side. Your tires don’t all wear down the same way when you drive, even if you purchased them all at once. By moving them into different positions on your vehicle, the wear is spread out more evenly.

For most Kias, rotating your tires is recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This roughly matches your oil change intervals. Keeping those tires rotated can increase their lifespan, enhance your fuel efficiency, and improve your overall safety.

Signs You Need Tire Care at the Kia Dealer

Uneven Tire Wear

One of the most straightforward indicators that your tires need attention is uneven wear. If you notice that the tread is more worn on one side of the tire than the other, it’s probably time for an alignment check. Differences in wear patterns between the tires on the front and back of your vehicle can also mean that it’s time to rotate your tires.

Vehicle Pulling to One Side

If your Kia begins to pull to one side or the other while driving on a straight, level road, it’s often a sign of an alignment issue. This pulling can sometimes be subtle, so if you need to check you should take your hands off the wheel briefly while driving in a safe place to see if your vehicle drifts.

Steering Wheel Vibration

A vibrating steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, can indicate misalignment. It may also signal issues with your tire balance, which can be checked and corrected during an alignment interest.

Squealing Tires

Squealing from your tires during turns can occur when the tires aren’t aligned correctly. This is due to uneven pressures being placed on different parts of the tire surface as you turn.

By being proactive about your tires, you can make them last longer and keep your car safer on the road. Call Kia of Coatesville in Coatesville, PA to schedule your next tire service today.

Tags: Kia Dealership, kia of coatesville, Wheel Alignment
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