HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS AN ALIGNMENT

Summer road trips with the family are a cherished tradition that we all look forward to every year. But an important task to remember before the trip is to get all your summer car maintenance done. While everyone remembers the typical oil changes and tire rotations, it's easy to forget some of the less common tasks, like checking your tire alignment.

How can you tell if your vehicle needs a tire alignment? Ideally, you will look out for signs year-round, not just before your trip. That way, you can catch the issue before it grows worse. Here are the most common signs to watch out for:

• Pulling to one side of the road: If you are driving straight but feel your vehicle pulling to the left or the right, the most common culprit is misaligned tires. Bring your vehicle in to H&H Cadillac for our experts to inspect.
  
  
• Squealing sound: If your tires are squealing when driving or braking (and the sound isn't coming from the brakes), your tires should also be checked out.
  
  
• Uneven wear: With proper rotations, your tires should be wearing evenly. If one tire is worn more than others, get the alignment checked right away.
  
  
• Vibrations: If you feel vibrations coming through your steering wheel, it could be due to misaligned tires.
  
  
• A crooked steering wheel: Your vehicle doesn't have to be pulling to one side to mean your tires need to be aligned. If your steering wheel is crooked while driving straight, that could also be a sign that it's time for an alignment.

Alignments are crucial for several reasons. Properly aligned tires ensure even wear on your tires (thus extending the life of your tires), and they also improve fuel efficiency - both important benefits, especially before your big summer road trip.