Four-wheel alignment contributes to an integrated implementation of how your car works as it moves down the road and steers from one direction to the next. However, over time, even the smoothest of roads can occasionally have a jarring bump, which can cause the alignment to start to deviate from its optimum settings. Generally, a car should have its best wheel alignment reset at least every 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes sooner. All-wheel drive vehicles are no exception to the recommended guidelines and probably need alignment setting even more as they tend to be used under harder conditions.
Factory-trained technicians will use computerized tools and alignment inspection systems to determine exactly what the current alignment is on a vehicle and how much it needs to be adjusted. Three areas will be addressed: the caster, camber, and toe. All of these modification areas allow the technician to put the wheel back into sync with the others for the best turning performance. For an AWD vehicle, both the front and back alignments are provided in the same service. Simultaneously, the inspection allows the technician to get a good look at your car’s suspension system, providing a great opportunity to spot early any issues or problems that need to be addressed there.
Unfortunately, wheels don’t stay in alignment forever, even with the best of technology help. If the three areas are misaligned, the issues only get worse over time. That can contribute to a tugging or pulling feeling as the car starts to swing to one side left to drive on its own. Additionally, the vehicle’s tires will wear down prematurely and unevenly. That can become an expensive problem very quickly, replacing tires every six to twelve months, which is just unreasonable. As the condition gets worse if ignored, it can turn into a serious steering problem that could end up making driving risky.
If your Volkswagen is feeling odd with its steering or you just need to have the car checked out because it’s been about six months since the last time you had it serviced, give us a call. Our team at Bill Jacobs Volkswagen in Naperville, IL, can give you an oil & filter change, 4 wheel alignment check, and tire rotation all in the same visit without a lot of delays or extended wait time. We take folks from all over, including Aurora, Bolingbrook, Wheaton, and Woodridge. Give us a call today to set up an appointment or just drop in. We’ll find a way to get your car taken care of because we want you safe on the road.