What Causes Misaligned Wheels?

The wheels on your Toyota were precisely adjusted when it rolled out of the factory. But the rigors of daily driving can slowly knock the camber angle, caster angle, and toe angle out of alignment. This is a process that takes time; however, there are other causes that are more immediate. If you've hit a pothole or a large crack in the road, if you've run over a curb, or if you've been in an accident, your wheels may have been knocked out of alignment.

How Do I Know if My Wheels Need an Alignment?

If the wheels on your Toyota car, truck, or SUV aren't aligned, you may experience a less pleasant drive. Even minor misalignment can lead to greater fatigue after driving, as you find yourself making constant tiny and unintentional adjustments to the steering wheel to make sure that your Toyota keeps driving straight. More serious alignment problems will often present more noticeable symptoms, and you may need to make larger adjustments to your steering wheel to keep your Toyota from veering out of its lane. In addition to being uncomfortable, this is unsafe. A vehicle with misaligned wheels may also give out other symptoms like uneven tire wear, but it's best to get alignment service performed before any symptoms show up at all. To catch misalignment early, we recommend regular alignment inspections, especially if you've recently hit a pothole or been in an accident.

What Happens If I Don't Get an Alignment?

Failing to get a four-wheel alignment when your wheels are misaligned can cause you to remain in danger whenever you drive. After all, a short slip in attention can cause your vehicle to swerve into the wrong lane. In addition, it can end up costing you quite a bit. Misaligned wheels cause tires to wear unevenly, so you'll have to get your tires replaced much more often.