Do I Need a Wheel Alignment After a Collision?

Posted on November 20, 2024 by IGNITE in Collision Repair

Yes, after most collisions, it’s a good idea to check for alignment issues. Even a minor fender bender can knock your wheels out of alignment, which could cause long-term issues with your vehicle’s handling, tire wear, and safety.

In this blog, we’ll explain the symptoms of misalignment, why it’s important to address it after a collision, and how Car Center can help.

Signs Your Car Might Need a Wheel Alignment

After a collision, you might not notice visible damage, but your car’s alignment could still be affected. Here are some signs that you need to get your alignment checked:

1. Pulling to One Side

If your car drifts to the left or right while driving straight, your wheels may not be properly aligned. This is one of the most common signs of misalignment, and it can make driving more dangerous, especially on wet or icy roads.

2. Uneven Tire Wear

Misaligned wheels put uneven pressure on your tires, causing one side to wear out faster than the other. Check your tires for signs of uneven wear, such as the inside or outside edge wearing down more quickly. This can lead to more frequent tire replacements if not corrected.

3. Off-Center Steering Wheel

If your steering wheel isn’t centered while driving straight, or if it feels off after making turns, it’s a good indicator that your alignment has been affected. You should be able to drive with the steering wheel straight without any drifting to the sides.

4. Steering Wheel Vibration

Misalignment can cause your steering wheel to vibrate or shake, particularly at higher speeds. This happens because the wheels aren’t rolling in sync, causing the car to handle poorly.

5. Loose or Unresponsive Steering

If your steering feels looser than usual or the car responds sluggishly to steering inputs, it’s a sign that your alignment may be off. This can lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially in emergency situations.

Why Alignment Checks Are Critical After a Collision

Ignoring alignment issues can lead to more than just uneven tire wear. Here’s why it’s important to address alignment issues right after an accident:

  • Safety: Poor alignment can affect your car’s stability and steering control, especially during sudden maneuvers or in adverse weather conditions.
  • Tire Lifespan: Misalignment causes uneven tire wear, reducing the lifespan of your tires and leading to more frequent replacements.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels make your car work harder, which can reduce your gas mileage and increase fuel costs over time.
  • Preventing Future Repairs: Misalignment can also affect other parts of your suspension system. If left unaddressed, these issues could lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

What Happens During a Wheel Alignment?

A wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they’re set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. This helps the tires make even contact with the road.

1. Inspection

The process starts with a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering components to ensure everything is in good working condition.

2. Adjusting the Angles

The technician will adjust the three key alignment angles:

  • Camber: The tilt of the tire when viewed from the front. Incorrect camber can cause uneven wear on the tire edges.
  • Toe: The direction the tires point when viewed from above. Misalignment here affects straight-line driving and tire wear.
  • Caster: The angle of the steering axis. A misaligned caster can cause issues with stability and cornering.

3. Realignment

Using precision equipment, the technician will make the necessary adjustments to ensure your wheels are aligned with the frame of your vehicle, improving handling and performance.

How Misalignment Affects Your Tires

Tires

One of the easiest ways to spot alignment issues is by looking at your tires. Here’s how different types of misalignment affect tire wear:

  • Toe Wear (Feathering): Tires wear unevenly across the tread if the wheels are not aligned straight. You’ll notice rough patches on the tire surface.
  • Camber Wear: When the tire tilts too far inward or outward, one edge will wear faster than the other.
  • Spotty Wear: Irregular wear patterns or bald spots may indicate a suspension issue caused by misalignment.

FAQs: Wheel Alignment After a Collision

1. How Soon Should I Get an Alignment After a Collision?

It’s best to get an alignment check as soon as possible after a collision. The longer you drive on misaligned wheels, the more damage you can cause to your tires and suspension.

2. What Happens If I Don’t Fix My Alignment?

Ignoring alignment issues can lead to unsafe driving conditions, uneven tire wear, and further damage to your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems.

3. How Much Does a Wheel Alignment Cost?

A wheel alignment typically costs between $75 and $150, depending on your vehicle and location. However, the cost of not getting an alignment can be much higher if you end up needing new tires or suspension repairs.

4. Can a Small Collision Cause Misalignment?

Yes, even a minor fender bender can knock your wheels out of alignment. Any impact can affect your vehicle’s suspension and steering components, leading to misalignment.

5. How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?

A typical alignment takes about an hour. However, if there is additional damage to your suspension from the collision, it could take longer.

Get Your Alignment Checked at Car Center

At Car Center, we understand how important your vehicle’s alignment is after a collision. Whether you’ve experienced a minor accident or a major impact, our team of ASE Certified Technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and correct any alignment issues to ensure your car is safe and performs as it should.

With six locations across Northwest Michigan, Car Center is ready to assist with all of your collision repair and alignment needs:

Concerned about your vehicle’s alignment after an accident? Schedule an appointment with Car Center today, and let us get your car back in perfect alignment for a safer and smoother ride!

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