How to Know When BMW Tires Need Alignment
When a vehicle feels off, the driver might immediately think of costly repairs. However, at times, the problem requires little money on their part. A misalignment of the tires serves as a good example of a problem that can easily be fixed without spending a fortune. The alignment ensures the tires and wheels work properly.
An alignment minimizes tire wear while improving the vehicle’s performance. Besides, the vehicle handles better. Men and women should have their vehicles aligned a few times each year or every 6,000 miles. Nevertheless, they also need to know when their car may need an alignment outside of their normal schedule. When should an owner take their vehicle to the Bimmer Performance Center for this service?
Uneven Tire Wear
Uneven tire wear suggests the vehicle needs an alignment. Drivers should check their tire treads every month to look for any uneven wear. When the front and back tires have differing wear, the tires are probably misaligned. The same holds when the tread on a tire appears to be wearing at different rates. Visit the performance center to have them checked.
The Vehicle Pulls to One Side
When driving the vehicle, pay attention to whether it pulls to one side. In many cases, the tires need to be inflated, as the pressure is low. After inflating the tires, the problem should go away. If it doesn’t, the vehicle needs an alignment.
A Slight Pull
Many times, the driver won’t notice the vehicle pulling to one side, as it is very slight. However, they know something is off with the car. To determine if the car needs a BMW tire alignment, visit an empty parking lot. Slowly drive the vehicle and let go of the steering wheel. If the car begins drifting to one side, the tires are misaligned.
Vibrations in the Steering Wheel
A driver might notice a vibration in the steering wheel and assume the tires need balancing. Although this is the case in some situations, it might also be that the wheels are misaligned. Visit the performance center to see if your BMW tires need an alignment.
Steering is Off
An experienced driver often corrects off-center steering without thinking about it or knowing they are doing so. Any time a driver notices the steering feels off, a visit to the mechanic is called for. Although the car may need an alignment, numerous other things can affect the steering. Drivers must know what they are dealing with, so they don’t have a mechanical breakdown that impacts the steering while they are driving on the open road.
What Causes Misalignment of the Tires?
Many things lead to a vehicle’s tires being misaligned. Worn parts play a role in the alignment of the tires, and any sudden impact can affect the alignment. For instance, when a person hits a deep pothole or curb, this may result in misaligned tires. Accidents and hitting a speed bump at a high rate of speed can also cause alignment issues. If you have any concerns about your tires, visit your mechanic right away.
The mechanic examines the tires, the suspension, and other parts that may impact the alignment. Following this inspection, they make recommendations regarding the repair or maintenance of the vehicle. For example, they may recommend the driver have the wheels balanced.
Wheel Balancing
Wheel balancing is needed when a tire is subject to a sudden impact or when normal tire wear and imperfections affect the ride of a vehicle. In addition, suspension parts that are worn may lead to the need for this service. The driver might notice tire wear, but most likely will find there is an issue with one or more tires while they are driving. When one or more wheels aren’t properly balanced, there will be vibrations in the steering wheel that increase as the speed of the vehicle increases.
If you suspect your vehicle needs an alignment, make an appointment right away. A failure to do so could lead to the need for tire replacement. The sooner the alignment is carried out, the less damage will be done. Drivers find they save money by having this service regularly performed. For this reason, you should make an appointment to have your tires aligned today.
About Bimmer Performance Center:
Bimmer Performance Center brings more than 75 years of combined experience to each customer interaction, making it Raleigh’s premier BMW service destination. The technicians work solely on this vehicle make and benefit from the same state-of-the-art equipment found in official BMW dealerships. Our team offers second-to-none service, regardless of what the vehicle needs, and takes pride in the work it performs.