Have you ever noticed your car drifting slightly to one side while you’re driving? Or maybe your steering wheel isn’t sitting quite straight, even on a flat, straight road?
These might seem like small quirks, but they could be your car’s way of telling you something important: your wheel alignment may be off—and that can lead to bigger problems if ignored.
A Story That Might Sound Familiar
Recently, one of our customers stopped in after noticing their vehicle pulling left during the daily commute. At first, they figured it was just the road. But the issue persisted—and soon they felt a subtle vibration in the steering wheel. When they inspected their tires, they found the outer edge of one tire worn down significantly more than the others.
Turns out, a pothole hit weeks earlier had knocked their alignment out of spec—just enough to gradually create uneven wear. Fortunately, we were able to realign the wheels, rotate the tires, and balance everything back to proper working order. A relatively quick fix helped them avoid the cost of a whole new set of tires and gave them peace of mind.
It’s simple: small issues left unchecked can turn into expensive repairs. But catching them early means you can keep driving confidently—and live life uninterrupted.
Common Signs Your Car Might Be Out of Alignment
Your car pulls to one side
Constantly correcting your steering? It’s a classic symptom.
Steering wheel is off-center
If you're driving straight but your wheel isn’t, alignment might be off.
Uneven tire wear
Check your treads—are the edges worn differently?
Vibrations or loose-feeling steering
Misalignment can make your steering feel shaky or less responsive.
Poor fuel efficiency
Misaligned wheels add drag, making your engine work harder and burn more fuel.
What Causes Misalignment?
It doesn’t take much. Common causes include:
Potholes
Curb hits
Parking barrier bumps
Regular wear and tear
Even minor impacts can knock things out of line without you realizing it.
When Should You Get an Alignment Check?
If you’ve hit something recently—or noticed any of the symptoms above—it’s a good time for a check. A quick alignment inspection can:
Extend tire life
Improve gas mileage
Keep your car driving straight and safe
Let’s Get You Back on Track
At DeBoer’s Auto, we check for proper alignment as part of every regular inspection. Whether you’re already seeing signs or just want that “everything’s working like it should” feeling, we’re here for you.
Schedule an alignment check today—and get back to living life uninterrupted.
