I know, wheel alignment sounds boring and definitely not something you want to read from some girl who does lots of yoga. But I’ve had a few experiences with my wheels being misaligned (which I’ll get into later) and it can be costly if you don’t care about it.
Now I know you wouldn’t expect it from me, but Wind River Fitness isn’t just all about yoga. I also happen to be a big nature fan. And you might not expect it. But I drive a big 4WD.
The main reason?
I love going off-road.
One of the things I love most about going off-road is the ability to explore the great outdoors. When I’m off-roading, I can take my car on trails and paths that are inaccessible to regular vehicles. This allows me to hike up mountains and see more of the natural world than I would be able to otherwise. I love the feeling of adventure and freedom that comes from being out in the wilderness, and off-roading is the perfect way for me to experience that. Plus, the challenges and obstacles of off-roading make it a thrilling and exciting way to explore the outdoors.
Now I’m going to sound a bit preachy and ramble on for a bit but the reason I’m writing this is as a word of warning. Because I made the mistake of thinking wheel alignment wasn’t super important and then it ended up costing me.
My Word of Warning
Wheel alignment is serious!
There I said it. It’s one of those things you don’t care about until you need to. And for me it was one of those things I didn’t care about until too much stress on my car ended up causing some damage to my front axel and costing me over a thousand dollars (yeah, it was a big mistake).
As a lover of going off-road, I never expected to become so passionate about wheel alignment. But after experiencing the damage that rough terrain can do to a car’s wheels, I have come to appreciate the importance of regular alignment.
What I Do
Now I have a process. Anytime I’m about to head out into the bush, I make sure to get my 4WD serviced before I head out. Then after I come back I book myself in for a wheel alignment service. It ends up making my other services later in the year cost less and I know I’m keeping my car in good shape if I ever want to sell it.
Since I live on the north side of Brisbane and I tend to head up north when I go off-roading, I always take my car in to AVR Automotive. I thought I’d mention their name here because they are some of the best mechanics I’ve ever been to. Not only do they give me a great wheel alignment service but in their regular service they’re extremely thorough.
For example, they take photos of all of your parts and then they can assess how bad the wear and tear has been. And they’re always thinking of you so they make sure to check with you before they do any work. They’re a lovely bunch of people and I can’t recommend them enough, so if you’re around Brendale or live on the north-side like me, take your car in to AVR Automotive.
The Dangers of Off-roading
When you’re off-roading, the rough and uneven terrain can put a lot of stress on your car’s wheels. This can cause them to become misaligned, which can be dangerous and damaging to your vehicle. Not only does misaligned wheels make it difficult to control your car, but it can also cause uneven wear on your tires, leading to costly replacements.
That’s why, after a day of off-roading, it’s so important to get your wheels aligned. This will help ensure that your car is running smoothly and efficiently, and it will also help extend the life of your tires. Plus, properly aligned wheels can make your off-roading experience even more enjoyable, as you’ll have better control over your car on the rough terrain.
I never thought I would be so passionate about something as seemingly mundane as wheel alignment. But after experiencing the damage that off-roading can do to a car’s wheels, I have come to understand the importance of regular alignment. It’s not just about maintaining the health of your vehicle, but also about ensuring your own safety and enjoyment on the trails. Plus getting a wheel alignment done early is going to save you those costly bills.
Why Wheel Alignment is Important (Even If You Don’t Own A 4WD)
I get it. Why care if you don’t go off-road. Well, my 4WD was a recent purchase after the pandemic when I wanted to get out and travel. Before that, I used to drive a classic silver 2003 Volkswagen Golf. And I also found out about wheel alignment when I got into an accident. Yes that’s right. This isn’t my first experience with wheel alignment. But wheel alignment is something that needs to be done regularly even if you aren’t smashing your car up or driving up cliffs.
Wheel alignment is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently. Properly aligned wheels can help improve your car’s fuel efficiency, as the wheels are able to roll smoothly without any resistance. This can save you money on gas over time.
Secondly, wheel alignment is crucial for the safety of you and your passengers. Misaligned wheels can cause your car to veer off course, making it difficult to control and increasing the risk of accidents. I personally experienced this first-hand when I got into a car accident because my wheels were not properly aligned. Thankfully, I was able to get my wheels realigned and avoid any further accidents.
Thirdly, regular wheel alignment can extend the life of your tires. When your wheels are misaligned, your tires will wear unevenly, causing them to wear out faster. This means that you will need to replace your tires more often, which can be expensive. By getting your wheels aligned regularly, you can help your tires last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Just like working out with an injured back, driving a car with misaligned wheels can be dangerous and detrimental to your health. When you have an injured back, it’s important to take care of it and avoid straining it further. Similarly, when your wheels are misaligned, it’s important to get them realigned to avoid any potential accidents or damage to your car.
In conclusion, regular wheel alignment is important for a number of reasons. It can help improve your car’s fuel efficiency, increase safety, and extend the life of your tires. Just like taking care of an injured back, getting your wheels aligned is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your vehicle.