Why You Need To Do Subaru Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance that is often overlooked. If you own a Subaru, ensuring your wheels are properly aligned is crucial for the performance, safety, and longevity of your vehicle. At Empire Subaru, we emphasize the importance of wheel alignment to help you keep your Subaru in top shape. In this article, we’ll explain why wheel alignment is essential and how it benefits your Subaru.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your vehicle's wheels to the manufacturer's specifications. The three main alignment angles are:

• Camber: The angle of the wheel relative to the ground (tilt inward or outward).
• Toe: The angle at which the wheels point in relation to each other (inward or outward).
• Caster: The angle of the steering axis, which affects steering stability.

Proper alignment ensures that all four wheels are positioned correctly, allowing your Subaru to drive straight and smooth, minimizing tire wear and maximizing fuel efficiency.

Why is Wheel Alignment Important?

Proper wheel alignment is essential for several reasons:

1. Improves Tire Longevity:
   When your wheels are misaligned, your tires wear unevenly, which reduces their lifespan. Misalignment can cause tires to wear on one side more than the other, leading to premature tire replacement. By regularly checking and adjusting your alignment, you can help ensure even tire wear and extend the life of your tires.
2. Enhances Vehicle Safety:
   Misaligned wheels can cause your Subaru to pull to one side or make the steering feel off. This could lead to difficulties in controlling your vehicle, especially when driving at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions. A proper wheel alignment ensures that your vehicle drives straight and responsive, improving safety.
3. Improves Fuel Efficiency:
   Incorrect alignment increases rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. When your wheels are aligned properly, your Subaru moves more efficiently, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption. This small adjustment can help save money at the pump over time.
4. Provides Better Handling and Performance:
   A Subaru with properly aligned wheels will handle better and feel more responsive on the road. If you notice that your vehicle drifts to one side, the steering wheel vibrates, or your car feels unstable, these are signs of alignment issues. A wheel alignment will help restore smooth, predictable handling.

When Should You Get Your Subaru's Wheels Aligned?

While a wheel alignment should be checked regularly, there are certain situations that may require more immediate attention:

• After Hitting a Pothole or Curb:
  If you’ve recently hit a large pothole or curb, it can throw your alignment off. Even minor impacts can cause misalignment that affects your vehicle’s performance.
• When You Notice Uneven Tire Wear:
  If you see uneven wear on your tires, especially on one side, it’s a clear sign that your wheels need realignment.
• Steering Problems:
  If your steering wheel is off-center, your Subaru pulls to one side, or the steering feels unresponsive, it's time to get an alignment.

In conclusion, regular wheel alignment is a simple yet effective way to ensure your Subaru runs at its best. It improves safety, enhances driving comfort, reduces tire wear, and boosts fuel efficiency. If you notice any signs of misalignment or if it’s been a while since your last check-up, schedule an appointment at Empire Subaru to keep your Subaru in top condition. Proper wheel alignment not only helps your car perform better, but it also saves you money on repairs and fuel in the long run.