Winter brings along many changes aside from the falling temperatures and losing of green leaves. It also marks an increase in the appearance of potholes. These hazardous spots on the road can set you back in terms of car repairs, specifically harming your tire alignment. We, as your reliable auto repair shop in Sussex County, NJ, have witnessed the very effects of potholes on vehicles. Continue reading to learn more about how potholes indirectly affect a car or truck’s wheel alignment as well what you can do to keep your vehicle operating in top-notch condition.
Getting to Know Wheel Alignment
The wheel alignment is what determines how well a car “handles” and how long the tires are going to last. The function of alignment is to keep the car tires perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Misalignment can bring about troubles like uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even more fuel consumption.
Just imagine you are driving on a road that is full of potholes, every single bump and jolting action could be loosening your suspension and steering parts, setting your wheels out of alignment. Eventually, this could cause a lot of problems, starting with tire wear, and leading to very severe problems like suspension collapse. So then, you might ask, what are the signs of poor alignment? Some of these indicators might be uneven tire wear, the car trying to move to one side, and steering wheel shaking. Once you notice any of these signs, it is then time to take your vehicle for an alignment check.
Why Wintertime is Pothole Time
Winter has a bad reputation due to more potholes than usual rearing their ugly heads. These road hazards are primarily caused by the melting of snow and the constant temperature variations during this season, which, combined, create cracks and weak spots in the pavement through the freeze-thaw cycle. Weak points in the pavements more easily give in to the heavy weight of cars and trucks, forming potholes. Using strong caution while driving through them is necessary during this season.
These road holes can be a reason for huge car repair bills if not addressed properly, especially when you come across them at higher speeds. The impact could transfer the strain on your car onto the suspension and steering components, quickly causing misalignment. Even if you are not directly driving through a pothole, going around it can easily result in your wheels running along the edge of the pothole. Yes, this too can also lead to the same problem of misalignment. Then how do you save your car from a pothole? Well, the first thing is to keep your eyes open and take a route that will keep you away from them. If you are left with no choice but to drive through them, then do it slowly and at such an angle that will lessen the impact as much as possible.
Regular Alignment Checks are Crucial
Regular alignment checks are the key to your car’s performance and safety. If you go to Scotty’s Automotive, we will suggest you align your wheels every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, or when you first start noticing the signs of misalignment. The ASE Certified mechanics conduct the alignment of your wheels to the finest precision with the help of modern tools and thus the smooth and safe driving turns out to be the ultimate experience for you.
In case the pothole has been your recent encounter or any misalignment symptoms have been observed, then do not feel shy to take your automobile to our center. Very early detection and quick correction can prevent larger issues from arising later. Our team will check the suspension and steering parts, if wheel alignment is necessary to adjust then it will be done, and a detailed report of our findings will be provided to you. To add, we will inform you of any repair or maintenance work that must be done to keep your vehicle in good running condition.
That being said, along with crucial alignment checks, there are other tips for protecting your car from pothole damage that can help. First, you should make sure your car tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires are more prone to potholes than properly inflated tires, while over-inflated tires cause rough roads and faster tire deterioration. It is recommended to check your tire pressure regularly to make necessary adjustments to keep your tires in their best condition.
Secondly, make sure that you take care of your vehicle’s suspension and steering system. If you notice any strange sounds or have issues with your steering, do not wait until it is too late before bringing your vehicle in for a checkup. Our experts will be able to diagnose any issues with your vehicle before they become major, avoiding costly fixes down the line. Finally, drive carefully. Never over-speed, particularly on rough roads, and make sure that you avoid driving over anything that could harm your vehicle.
ADAS and Alignment Today’s vehicles are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems that rely on proper wheel alignment for their proper operation. Lane departure assist and adaptive cruise control are the most common ADAS that make use of sensors and cameras to monitor the environment around the car all the time. Incorrect alignment of the wheels can result in the malfunctioning of these features and can therefore compromise the safety of the driver.
We know very well that ADAS-equipped vehicles always need alignment done properly. Our technicians are experts in these advanced systems and they make sure your car’s alignment is precise and perfect. We use special equipment fitted with the latest technology to calibrate your ADAS sensors and cameras, hence providing you with a safe and reliable driving experience.
The Benefits of Proper Wheel Alignment
Proper wheel alignment brings a lot of advantages to your vehicle, and your wallet! Most importantly, it makes your car handling and stability better, which consequently contributes to safety while driving. Besides this, proper alignment increases the tire’s lifespan as it leads to even wear, so the car owner saves money on tire replacements. Moreover, it might cause your fuel-efficient car to consume less gas, saving you some at the pump.
The proper wheel alignment also brings another advantage of suspension and steering parts’ reduced wear and tear. In case your wheels are incorrectly aligned, these parts of the vehicle will be forced to work extra hard to pay off, leading to more wear, and even worse, a breakdown. The regular checks of alignment will assist in the early detection of these problems, thus, saving you from expensive repairs in the future.
Our Commitment to Quality and Service
Scotty’s Automotive is a place where the highest quality of repairs and service is offered to customers only. The ASE Certified mechanics at the workshop hold the know-how and skillset to handle any alignment or suspension problem. This will make sure that your automobile will be able to run without any issues and safely too. In diagnosing and repairing problems, we always use the most advanced technology and equipment, giving our customers a hassle-free experience.
No matter if you require a simple alignment check or an extensive suspension repair, our team is always ready to assist you. We know that the car repair process can lead to a stressful situation, we try our best to make it as smooth and convenient as possible. You can enjoy our facilities while waiting, or use our shuttle service if you cannot wait. We also have a 24-hour key drop-off box for your convenience!
Choose Scotty’s Automotive Repair
The winter related potholes are a hard blow to a car’s alignment; however, if you check regularly and maintain properly, your vehicle will be in good operating condition. We are your partner when it comes to service and repairs that will keep you safe on the road. Pothole damage should not hinder your driving.
Pick up the phone today and dial (845) 720-3584 to book an appointment or come over to our Sussex County, NJ, location! Our highly trained professionals are at your disposal to help you cope with the difficulties of driving in winter and to maintain your vehicle at its best. You can rely on Scotty’s Automotive auto repair, and maintenance services. Your car should be treated right, and so should you!