What Happens When You Drive on Bad Alignment?

Driving with bad wheel alignment can be a nightmare for your car. It causes bumpy tyre wear, which makes them wear out quickly. Your car may pull to one side, making it hard to steer. You feel vibrations in the steering wheel, which is uncomfortable and distracting. Misalignment also drains your fuel, forcing your engine to work harder. Over time, it puts extra strain on your suspension and steering, leading to costly repairs. Worse, it can affect your safety and control of the vehicle. Regular alignment checks prevent accidents and save you money in the long run. Don’t ignore it – the longer you wait, the more damage it causes.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is the angle of your wheels about your car’s frame. Proper alignment ensures smooth driving and prevents uneven tyre wear. Misalignment affects performance, fuel efficiency, and safety.

Signs of Bad Wheel Alignment

Uneven tyre wear

Misaligned wheels cause some parts of the tyres to wear faster than others. It means you’ll need to replace them sooner, costing you more.

Rapid Tire Wear

Misalignment makes tires wear out quickly, reducing lifespan.

Scalloped or Feathered Tire Wear

These uneven patterns indicate improper wheel alignment.

Car Pulling to One Side 

Your vehicle may pull left or right, making driving straight harder. It’s dangerous, especially on highways.

Vibrations in the Steering Wheel 

If you feel vibrations at higher speeds, misalignment could be the cause. It’s uncomfortable and distracting.

Crooked Steering Wheel

A crooked steering wheel signals alignment issues even when driving straight.

Decreased Handling Control 

Poor alignment makes it harder to control your car, especially when turning or braking. This is dangerous, especially in bad weather or emergencies.

Wandering on the Road 

If your car feels unstable or seems to drift, it’s likely due to bad alignment.

Poor Handling

Misalignment makes steering feel unresponsive or makes it difficult to maintain a straight line.

Squealing tyres

If your tyres squeal while turning, especially on dry pavement, it’s a sign of misalignment.

Visibly Tilted Wheels

This is rare but indicates severe alignment problems.

Ignoring bad alignment puts your safety and your car’s health at risk. Don’t wait to get it fixed! Regular checks can save you money and keep you safe on the road.

 

Effect of Driving on Bad Alignment

Driving with misaligned wheels might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, it can cause several problems:

• Bumpy Tire Wear
  Misaligned wheels lead to uneven pressure on the tires, causing some areas to wear out faster. As a result, your tires may need replacing much sooner than expected, costing you more money.
• Poor Vehicle Handling and Safety Risks
  When your car pulls to one side, it can be difficult to steer. This can make your vehicle harder to control, especially on highways or in emergencies. Driving with poor handling increases the risk of accidents.
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency
  Bad alignment forces your car to work harder. This extra effort leads to higher fuel consumption, meaning you’ll spend more money at the gas station. Even small misalignments can affect your fuel efficiency.
• Strain on Suspension and Steering Components
  Misalignment puts additional stress on your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems. Over time, this can cause these parts to wear out, leading to costly repairs. It’s always better to fix alignment issues early before they cause bigger problems.

How Bad Alignment Affects Long-Term Vehicle Health

Driving with bad alignment can cause serious long-term damage. Misalignment puts extra stress on parts like the steering and suspension, leading to expensive repairs.

• Steering Damage: Misalignment makes your steering harder to control and puts pressure on suspension parts like shocks and struts. This can lead to costly repairs. 
• High Repair Costs: The longer you wait, the worse the damage gets. Fixing the problem early is always cheaper than dealing with a major breakdown later.

Ignoring alignment issues can damage other car parts and reduce your vehicle’s lifespan. Regular checks and quick fixes save you money and keep your car running smoothly. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Your car’s health depends on it.

When to Get Your Alignment Checked?

It’s important to get your alignment checked regularly to keep your car running smoothly. Most experts recommend checking your alignment at least once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. However, you should also get it checked if you notice any of the following signs:

• Uneven tire wear
• Your car pulls to one side
• Your steering wheel shakes or feels loose
• You hit a pothole or curb hard

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to get an alignment check as soon as possible.

How to Fix Bad Wheel Alignment

If you think your car has bad alignment, having a mechanic check it is best. They will adjust the wheels’ angles to ensure they’re aligned properly.

• Camber: The tilt of the tyres, inward or outward.
• Toe: The angle at which the tyres point when viewed from above.
• Caster: The angle of the steering pivot.

Alignment services usually take about an hour. The cost depends on your car and location. While this may seem small, ignoring alignment can lead to higher tyre replacements and repair costs. Don’t wait – fix it early to avoid bigger problems. Biswas Automobiles offers affordable wheel alignment and balancing in Dhaka. Contact us today to save money and keep your car in great shape.

Preventive Measures and Maintenance Tips

Keep your vehicle’s alignment in top shape with these simple tips:

• Check tyre pressure and wear often to catch misalignment early.
• Be cautious around potholes, curbs, and rough roads. These can damage your alignment.
• Regular suspension checks prevent alignment issues from worsening.

Taking these steps helps you avoid costly repairs and ensures your car runs smoothly. Stay on top of maintenance to keep your car safe and reliable.

Cost of Alignment

The cost of getting your car’s alignment checked can vary depending on your vehicle and location. Typically, you can expect to pay 1600 to  2500 BDT for an alignment check. While this might seem like an expense, it’s a small price to pay when compared to the cost of replacing worn tires or repairing suspension parts.

Conclusion

Driving with bad alignment causes uneven tire wear, poor handling, and safety risks. Regularly checking and maintaining your car’s alignment helps you avoid these problems. It saves you money on repairs and fuel, and makes driving safer and more comfortable. If you notice any signs of misalignment, don’t wait. Get it checked by a professional right away. Taking care of your alignment now prevents bigger issues later and keeps you safe on the road.

FAQs 

How often should I check my alignment? 

It’s recommended to check your alignment once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, but if you notice symptoms like uneven tire wear or pulling, check it sooner.

Can I fix my alignment myself? 

While it’s possible to do some basic alignment checks at home, proper wheel alignment should be done by a professional with the right equipment.

What happens if I ignore alignment issues for too long? 

Ignoring alignment problems can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and expensive repairs to other parts of your car, like the suspension.

How long does a wheel alignment take? 

A typical wheel alignment takes about an hour, depending on the car and the extent of the alignment issue.