Five Signs Your Toyota Needs a Tire Alignment

Poorly aligned tires can have a big effect on how efficiently your car runs and how it feels to drive. If you notice any of the warning signs, you can schedule a tire alignment service at your local Toyota dealership.

1. Off-Center Steering Wheel

When you drive or park in a straight line, your steering wheel should also be straight, reflecting the direction that your tires are pointing. If there’s a problem with the alignment, you’ll have to move the steering wheel off-center to get your tires straight. This can be disorienting and make it difficult to carry out maneuvers without having to make adjustments.

2. Pulling to One Side

The tires on your car should all point directly forward when in a neutral position, creating a rectangle. When the tires are out of alignment, one or more of the tires points in a different direction. When the car is in motion, the misaligned tire will attempt to move forward at this angle, causing your Toyota to pull to one side. There are other causes of your car pulling to the side, but misaligned tires are one of the most common.

3. Increased Fuel Consumption

Keeping track of your Toyota’s fuel consumption can help alert you when something changes. If you have poorly aligned tires, you may notice you are having to fill up with gas more frequently. This is because misaligned tires create rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder to achieve the same mileage and speed.

4. Bumpy Ride

Your tires and suspension are designed to work in perfect harmony, so when there’s a problem with one, the other will struggle. Misaligned tires cause excess stress on your suspension, making it harder for bumps in the road surface to be absorbed efficiently. Left unchecked, misaligned tires can cause permanent damage to the suspension.

5. Cabin Vibrations

If your tires are pulling in different directions, they will be fighting against each other as you travel. This can be felt through the steering wheel as vibrations, particularly at high speeds. Poor alignment can also lead to varying degrees of wear, which causes inconsistent contact with the surface. This can also lead to vibrations as the tires won’t be rotating smoothly.

Visit Your Local Toyota Dealership Today

If you’ve noticed an issue with your tires or you are simply overdue a tire service, your local dealership can help. Toyota-certified technicians can perform all aspects of tire maintenance such as rotation, alignment, and replacement, when needed.

Whether you’re looking for an exact replacement for your original Toyota tires or you need to schedule a tire service, we can help. Contact us today at Steet Toyota of Johnstown in Johnstown, NY to talk to our friendly team.

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