Do you feel vibrations in your steering wheel when driving or struggle to keep your vehicle on the road? You could be experiencing car alignment problems. RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts has you covered, helping you understand why wheel alignment matters and how it keeps you safe on Yakima roads.
Benefits of wheel alignment
Regular wheel alignment improves safety, boosts fuel efficiency, extends tire life, and protects your car’s suspension.
Signs your car needs wheel alignment
Uneven tire wear, steering wheel vibration, wandering at interstate speeds, and pulling to one side when driving, especially after hitting a curb or pothole, indicate misalignment.
How often should you check car alignment?
Our automotive technicians recommend an alignment check annually or every 12,000–15,000 miles, as well as when you notice the above signs of misalignment.
Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignment Service
Scheduling regular vehicle alignments offers significant rewards:
Proper wheel alignment improves safety
Wheel misalignment makes it difficult to keep your vehicle moving in a steady direction. Proper alignment ensures optimal steering response and handling during cornering, braking, and emergency maneuvers, reducing the risk of accidents.
Wheel alignment improves fuel efficiency
Improper alignment increases rolling resistance, placing added strain on your engine and reducing gas mileage.
Vehicle alignment extends tire life
Misalignment causes uneven tire wear and shortens tire lifespan. Routine alignments ensure your tires meet the road at the correct angle, saving you money on tire replacement.
Professional car alignment safeguards your suspension
Proper alignment reduces stress on ball joints, shocks, and struts, reducing the likelihood of untimely steering and suspension system repairs and parts replacement.
Signs Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment in Yakima
RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts recommends having your car’s alignment checked once a year or every 12,000–15,000 miles, as well as anytime you notice the following symptoms:
- Tires wearing unevenly
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
- Wandering at interstate speeds
- Car pulls to one side when driving
- Steering wheel off-center when driving straight
- Vehicle pulls to the side after hitting a curb or large pothole
How Mechanics Perform Wheel Alignment at RJs
Wheel alignment differs from tire balancing. Adding weights to balance tires ensures even weight distribution and smooth, vibration-free rotation, while alignment involves suspension adjustments to help tires meet the road at the correct orientation. Our skilled Yakima car mechanics have the expertise and equipment to perform precision alignments. We use the latest high-tech laser machinery to measure wheel angles and align your vehicle according to manufacturer specifications, adjusting:
- Camber, the inward/outward tire tilt when viewed from the front, which affects traction and causes tires to wear faster on one side
- Caster, or negative/positive steering axis tilt, seen from the side, which impacts straight-line stability
- Toe, the direction your tires point inward/outward when viewed from above, to prevent wear on outer/inner tire edges
Once we’ve made suspension adjustments and our wheel aligner verifies proper alignment, our experienced technicians will test-drive your vehicle, ensuring proper straight-line tracking and responsive handling.
Stay on the Right Track with a Wheel Alignment Check
Now that you know why wheel alignment matters and how it keeps you safe on Yakima roads, ensure vehicle safety, performance, and longevity with regularly scheduled service from RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts. Contact us at 509-453-8170 to schedule wheel alignment at our trusted Yakima Valley auto repair shop today.
Yakima, WA
Yakima’s rural, small-town vibe, stunning scenery, and beautiful Mediterranean climate make it a popular place to live and work. RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts proudly serves commercial and personal auto owners throughout the region, providing affordable wheel alignment services in Yakima.