The Role of Wheel Alignment in Preserving Your Volkswagen’s Performance

A wheel alignment is one of the most critical services you can schedule at your VW dealer. This service adjusts the direction and angle of your wheels so that they are perfectly parallel and often involves fine-tuning the suspension system to ensure your Volkswagen has a comfortable and smooth ride feel. 

The Role of Wheel Alignment in Preserving Your Volkswagen’s Performance

The main purpose of a tire alignment is to ensure the tread on all four tires is wearing evenly. If tires aren’t aligned, different parts of your tire tread will wear down, which can eventually cause performance problems like reduced fuel economy. Driving on tires with uneven tread can negatively impact the traction your tires have and may even make steering straight more difficult. 

One of the cardinal signs of misaligned tires is difficult handling. It’s common for a vehicle with poor alignment to pull to one side of the road, especially when the brakes are engaged. This can cause issues if you’re driving on wet and rainy roads. Some drivers may even notice particular issues with cornering and braking when wheels aren’t aligned correctly. 

How Often Do You Need Alignment at Your VW Dealer?

You should schedule a tire alignment at least once a year or once every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Some drivers may prefer to schedule an alignment service at the same time as a routine tire rotation for optimal road performance. However, you may want to schedule this service sooner if you notice performance issues, such as a steering wheel that isn’t centered even when the vehicle is driving on a straight road.

If you notice your tire tread seems to be wearing unevenly during your monthly tire air pressure check, it may be time to schedule an alignment service. This is particularly true if your tires are losing tread more quickly than usual or if you’re stopping at the pump to fill up the tank more often. It’s also wise to book an alignment service if you hit large road debris, take your VW off-roading, or drive over a big pothole. 

How Long Can You Drive With Misaligned Wheels?

If you notice any signs of wheel misalignment, you should avoid driving your car and schedule service as soon as convenient. Driving on misaligned wheels can cause major issues with mechanical components, and you may even notice that your vehicle gets harder to handle over time. 

What Happens During Alignment Service?

A VW mechanic may start your alignment service by taking your car out for a short test drive. It’s also common to put your car on a raised platform right away to access the tires and suspension. A special alignment is typically used to perfect the angles of the tires, so this service usually doesn’t take very long. 

When your wheels are out of alignment, you may notice marked performance issues that make it hard to drive your car straight. Book your maintenance appointment at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL to get your VW back in good driving condition. 

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