How Do I Know When I Need Subaru Wheel Alignment?

Every time you drive over a pothole, use an unpaved or rough road, or run into a curb, you are jostling your wheels slightly out of alignment. It’s never a bad idea to come to a service center and have a Subaru wheel alignment performed on your vehicle. But if you’re unsure whether or not you need one, here are some ways to know when it’s time.

What Is a Wheel Alignment?

Any bump, bruise, or shock that your wheels take in the course of regular driving can damage the alignment of your tires. If your wheels are out of alignment with one another, even by a small amount, hampers maneuvering and wastes energy moving between your engine and your wheels. It also leads to uneven wear on your tires, which may make them wear out faster.

It is a great idea to minimize the amount of time you spend driving on uneven or damaged roads, but it’s impossible to eliminate the causes of wheel misalignment entirely. If you keep a regular schedule of tune-ups, however, it’s easy to keep your car’s alignment healthy.

When Do I Get a Wheel Alignment?

It’s best to get your wheels aligned every 6,000 miles, but if you feel any signs of misalignment, bring it in now. The best way to detect misalignment is to pay attention while you’re driving — if you feel your car pull in one direction or a steering wheel that seems off-center, you may need service. This is a good time to have a Subaru oil change, too.

Wheel alignment can be damaging to your vehicle in the long term, but luckily, it’s easy to detect while driving. If you think your wheels need to be realigned, come in to Serra Subaru Champaign and have our talented service team check your vehicle. See you soon!