Does Your Vehicle Need to Be Realigned? Here’s How to Tell: Insights from an Auto Body Repair Shop in Lombard, Illinois
Over time, the frame of a vehicle can become bent and misshapen due to potholes, collisions, wear and tear, and other factors. When this occurs, the vehicle can become difficult to operate. Not only can it lead to functional issues, but to safety issues as well.
Are you wondering how to tell whether your vehicle needs to be realigned? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This auto body repair shop in Lombard, Illinois is going to discuss some of the most common signs below.
What Causes Vehicle Frame Misalignment?
As we mentioned above, there are several factors that can cause vehicle frame misalignment. One of the most common causes is the slow accumulation of wear and tear. As you hit small bumps over the years, your vehicle is bound to break down and take a different shape.
That said, there are more obvious causes as well. For instance, hitting a particularly large pothole can cause a vehicle to become misaligned immediately. So too can getting in a collision.
Have you ever run over a curb? That sudden drop could bend the frame of your vehicle. Hitting debris on the road could cause the same problem.
A bad suspension will leave your vehicle prone to misalignment, which is why it’s important to make sure it’s in good shape at all times. You can ensure this by having your vehicle routinely inspected at your local auto body repair shop in Lombard, Illinois.
Signs You Need Vehicle Realignment
We’ve discussed common causes of vehicle misalignment. Now, let’s discuss the most obvious signs that you need realignment. They include the following:
Uneven Tire Wear
Is one of your tires wearing down sooner than the others? In these situations, vehicle misalignment is often the cause. This is because, when a frame is misaligned, it puts more stress on one side of the vehicle than it does on the other. This stress is transferred to one or both tires on that side, causing them to wear down prematurely.
A Perpetually Uneven Steering Wheel
When driving your vehicle, does the steering wheel feel like it’s being pulled to one side or the other? If so, you are most likely dealing with a bent frame. This is not something you’ll want to ignore, as severely bent frames can be dangerous to drive on. If you notice this issue, it’s best to have your vehicle inspected by your local auto body repair shop in Lombard, Illinois.
A Feeling of Being Off-Center
Another sign that your vehicle’s frame might be misaligned is that you feel “off-center” while driving. In other words, something just feels wrong. It’s almost as if you’re not driving in the direction that you’re facing, but in a direction just slightly to the right or to the left of your eye-line.
This is obviously open to some interpretation. However, if the feeling of driving your vehicle is suddenly different than what it was before, a misaligned frame could very well be the reason.
Tires That Squeal
The last sign is when your tires squeal while in movement. Your tires should not be squealing at all. If they are, it’s because they have undue stress on them. This is often caused by vehicle misalignment.
Looking for a Reputable Auto Body Repair Shop in Lombard, Illinois?
Is your vehicle’s frame misaligned? Ready to have it repaired by a reputable auto body repair shop in Lombard, Illinois? If so, our experts at Lombard Body & Fender Inc are here to help.
Our specialists have experience realigning all types of vehicles. Regardless of the make and model of your vehicle, we can get the job done right. Contact us today at (630) 627-8688 to get started.
