Simple Answers from Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care: Alignment

{{ image('MzQ3') }}

Question:
How do I know when I need a wheel alignment?

Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care Answer:
When Waldorf drivers' wheels are properly aligned they all point in the same direction. When they are out of alignment, most MD drivers notice a couple of things. First the vehicle pulls to one side when driving. It could be slight or pretty severe. If your wheels have been out of alignment for a while, you'll also start to see uneven tire wear – the shoulder on either the outside or inside of the tire is worn down more than the other.

A whole bunch of steering and suspension components are joined together. Everyday Waldorf driving can cause Waldorf drivers' wheels to go out of alignment over time just from the joints loosening up. That's why most recommend an alignment check every couple of years. Depending on where you live in MD or the conditions you drive in (off-road driving, harsh Waldorf winter conditions, poor pavement, etc.), an alignment inspection every year at Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care may be called for.

Suspension and steering components wear over time as well, which can lead to and alignment issues for Waldorf drivers. Of course, a big bump, like hitting a curb or pothole, can knock a wheel out of alignment or damage a steering or suspension part.

Your friendly and knowledgeable Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care service advisor will check your tires for uneven wear. The type of wear provides clues for what might be wrong. Undercar parts are inspected for wear and damage. The alignment machine will provide a reading of how each wheel is aligned. The reading is compared with the alignment settings recommended by the manufacturer, and then the technician makes the necessary adjustments and repairs to bring your wheels back into alignment.

Now putting off a wheel alignment in Waldorf can get dangerous because of tire wear: a bad alignment can chew through a tire pretty quickly. If you see uneven tire wear, if your steering wheel is off center or your vehicle pulls to one side, ask your friendly and knowledgeable Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care service advisor about getting an alignment check.

Give us a call.

Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care
11780 Holly Auto Center Lane
Waldorf, MD 20601
301.645.4055