Everything You Need to Know About Vehicle Alignment: Insights from an Auto Frame Repair Shop in Willowbrook, Illinois
The frame is essentially like the foundation of any automobile. It holds the many components of the vehicle in place, ensuring that they work in concert with one another.
That said, over time, vehicle frames can become bent and misaligned, which can pose several problems on the road. Are you interested in learning about some of the causes of vehicle frame misalignment, and the signs you should look out for? This auto frame repair shop in Willowbrook, Illinois is going to explain below.
Causes of Vehicle Frame Misalignment
The potential causes of vehicle frame misalignment are many. That said, some of the most common causes include the following;
Running Over Potholes
Frame misalignment tends to occur when the frame experiences sudden and violent impact. One of the most common causes of sudden and violent impact in automobiles is hitting potholes. If you ever hit a large pothole at a high speed, there’s a good chance that your vehicle’s frame experienced some level of misalignment.
Being Involved in Auto Collisions
Another common cause of vehicle frame misalignment is being involved in an auto collision. Whether it was a high-speed collision or a low-speed fender bender, it could have resulted in frame misalignment.
Incurring Minor Wear and Tear Over Time
A vehicle frame can also become misaligned due to minor wear and tear over time. There doesn’t have to be a big event. Hitting small bumps consistently over a span of years can result in misalignment as well.
Why You Shouldn’t Drive on a Misaligned Frame
Driving on a misaligned frame poses a number of potential problems. These include both safety and functionality problems.
Safety-wise, a misaligned frame could alter your perception of the road. This could cause you to inadvertently swerve into other lanes, or maybe even make turns that are too tight or wide.
Functionally speaking, you’ll start to see things such as pulling to the side during operation. You might also see uneven tread wear from tire to tire. Other potential effects include excessive steering wheel vibration, and maybe even a steering wheel that’s slow to respond to turns.
Put simply, if you want to maintain optimal performance in your automobile, you need to ensure that your vehicle’s frame is aligned. An auto frame repair shop in Willowbrook, Illinois can help you with the realignment.
Signs You Need a Vehicle Frame Realignment
There are numerous signs that might indicate the need for a vehicle frame realignment. Some of these were already covered above. The most prominent signs of a need for a vehicle frame realignment include the following:
Your Vehicle Has Uneven Tire Wear
Is the tread on your left tire more worn than the tread on your right tire? If so, vehicle misalignment could be the reason. When a vehicle is misaligned, it leans to one side, putting more pressure on one tire than on the other. This leads to inconsistent tread wear.
Your Vehicle Pulls to One Side
Let go of your steering wheel for a second while driving and see which direction your vehicle turns. If it’s any direction but straight, your vehicle’s frame could be misaligned.
Your Vehicle Has Steering Wheel Problems
Misaligned frames create all sorts of steering wheel issues. These include vibrating steering wheels, loose steering wheels, off-center steering wheels, and steering wheels that don’t naturally return to center. If you notice any of these, you need to take your vehicle to an auto frame repair shop in Willowbrook, Illinois.
Looking for an Auto Frame Repair Shop in Willowbrook, Illinois?
Does your vehicle currently need to be realigned? Ready to visit the top-rated auto frame repair shop in Willowbrook, Illinois? If so, Lombard Body & Fender is the place to visit. Contact us today at (630) 627-8688 to schedule an appointment.
