Importance of Correcting Wheel Alignment Post-Collision Auto Body Fixes
In today's modern world, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become a standard feature in vehicles, enhancing safety and performance on the road. However, one often overlooked aspect that significantly impacts these systems is proper wheel alignment.
Misaligned wheels, a common issue that can arise from hitting a curb, slamming into a pothole, or getting tapped in a parking lot, can lead to a host of problems. These include increased fuel consumption, higher costs at the pump, and more emissions over time due to the extra rolling resistance they create.
Moreover, misaligned wheels can affect braking distances and cause uneven tire wear, reducing their lifespan. This premature wear can be particularly costly for vehicles with performance or run-flat tires.
Ignoring wheel alignment after a collision can lead to several serious long-term consequences affecting vehicle safety, performance, and costs. For instance, misalignment can cause steering and handling problems, such as the vehicle pulling to one side, a crooked steering wheel, and instability while driving, compromising control, especially in emergency situations or on slippery roads.
Furthermore, misalignment places abnormal strain on suspension parts like ball joints, wheel bearings, and tie rods, accelerating wear and increasing the likelihood of failure. This results in expensive repairs and potential drivability issues like vibrations and unusual noises.
In addition, misaligned wheels can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10% or more, adding to operating costs over time. They can also compromise vehicle safety by reducing the vehicle's ability to respond safely in critical driving moments.
At OHS Body Shop in Kalispell, they are dedicated to ensuring that vehicles are repaired properly from top to bottom and from tire to tire. They inspect the condition of suspension and steering components before aligning the wheels to exact manufacturer standards. If any parts need replacing, they take care of it before aligning the wheels.
A full alignment check is recommended any time a vehicle has sustained collision damage, even if no problems are noticed right away. Regular alignment checks and timely repairs are essential after any impact to maintain vehicle integrity and performance.
Symptoms of misaligned wheels can be immediate or subtle, such as the steering wheel feeling crooked, the car drifting to one side, faster tire wear on one side, or the car feeling "off" when driving straight. A quick check for alignment issues can save Montana drivers hundreds of dollars and keep them safer behind the wheel.
OHS Body Shop often pairs wheel alignment with sensor recalibration when needed. If alignment is off, ADAS features may not work correctly or give false readings. Bad alignment also puts extra strain on suspension, steering components, and the engine.
In summary, neglecting wheel alignment after a collision not only rapidly degrades tires and suspension but also jeopardizes driving safety and increases long-term maintenance and fuel costs. Regular alignment checks and timely repairs are essential after any impact to maintain vehicle integrity and performance. Visit OHS Body Shop today to ensure your vehicle's wheels are aligned correctly and you're driving as safely and efficiently as possible.
- Misaligned wheels, caused by collision damage, can lead to steering and handling problems, such as the vehicle pulling to one side, a crooked steering wheel, and instability while driving, compromising control, especially in emergency situations or on slippery roads.
- A full alignment check is recommended any time a vehicle has sustained collision damage, even if no problems are noticed right away, as ignoring wheel alignment can result in expensive repairs and potential drivability issues like vibrations and unusual noises.
- At OHS Body Shop in Kalispell, they not only repair vehicles after accidents, but also ensure that they are aligned properly from top to bottom and from tire to tire, following exact manufacturer standards.
- Bad alignment also puts extra strain on suspension, steering components, and the engine, which can compromise vehicle safety by reducing the vehicle's ability to respond safely in critical driving moments.
- OHS Body Shop often pairs wheel alignment with sensor recalibration when needed, ensuring that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) continue to work correctly and give accurate readings.
