I tried to look up the word ‘alignment’ in my little Webster’s dictionary, and it wasn’t there! What’s up with that? I think it means to get things in order…in a row. Why do I care? Well, today I went to replace one of the tires on the toad at Wal-Mart. I asked the mechanic to look at the tire, and he told me that all four tires were not good. He also suggested that I get the car aligned before I had new tires installed. He also suggested a place to have that done.
Some of you may remember that little accidental thing that I did last August when repositioning my rig. He suggested that perhaps this is what caused my car to be out of alignment, and cause all the problems with the tires. So, here’s my question. What exactly is it that they do when you have an alignment? Could that cause uneven wear on all the tires? I’d appreciate your input on this problem of mine.
Mississippi is having close to record breaking heat right now, and the humidity really hits you in the face when you exit an air conditioned vehicle. Oh my, I can’t imagine what it is like in July and August. Spent the rest of the day doing laundry and other chores, so didn’t get a float on the bayou. With no breezes tonight, the mosquitoes have found me, so I’ve retreated inside for the remainder of the evening.
Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later, Judy
Posts
those are quite the dings in your toad!..can't help you with your alignment question but from a girl's point of view I would suggest that if the car is out of alignment the tires would wear unevenly!..that is my synopsis on this..I hate car repairs! and car repair places!
ReplyDeleteA car that's out of alignment will definitely cause your tires to wear unevenly. I took all this went I went to appraisal school in 1975, needless to say I don't remember the ins and outs but if you want here's a short course.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm
Red flag Red flag! Be careful. Yes you may, have an alignment problem, BUT, when someone says you need to take to _ _ _ for diagnoses they are doing nothing but trying to push business to that repair shop.
ReplyDeleteThae dent to the fender just doesn't look like an alignment problem. Yes, your fender is need of repair or replacement.
Is there any damage to the tire and/or wheel?
Get another diagnoses.
You should be able to tell if your wheels are out of alignment by looking at how the tread is wearing. If it is wearing out a lot faster on the inside or outside edge, then they are out of alignment. All that means is that they are toed in or toed out and need to be adjusted. Most all places that replace tires can do alignments. You and take it to any Sears service center, goodyear dealer, etc. to verify what your being told. If you wait too long, the tires are not salvagable and must be replaced.
ReplyDeleteWell, you might have your ducks in a row but sure sounds like maybe you don't got your wheels in a row:((
ReplyDeleteRon says to take it to a good tire shop like Les Schwab or Sears. Yes being out of alignment can cause uneven wear on the tires.
ReplyDeleteUnless the heat and/or humidity are really unbearable, I just put up with it and don't turn on the AC unless I have to. It just makes it that much harder when you have to get out of the air conditioned vehicle. That's the same reason I never used AC in the RV - but I've never been in Mississippi in hot weather either.
ReplyDeleteHowdy! Mississippi is ALREADY record highs? In April? Look out this summer. (we are warm here in East TX, but not RECORD highs)
ReplyDeleteEmma, I was always the one in our family to take the cars in for repairs. If the car is out of alignment it will affect the tires. I would always make sure we had good tires with a road hazard warranty, and would take the cars for the recommended alignments and tire rotations.
ReplyDeleteI use a tire store for my tires. I also buy insurance for alignment and can take the car in periodically to get it checked. The wheels can toe a little in or out - like some of our feet- and when that happens, one side of the wheel will wear harder than the other. I used to rotate the wheels from right front to left back. But after we got the steel belted radials, I think the recommendation is to move them from front to back on the same side. It would be good to ask a dependable mechanic about current recommendations. I think my tires are wearing out quicker because I didn't do it on this car. Will start keeping records on the tires I'll have to buy this summer.
ReplyDeleteNow I have to get started on working.
From the amount of damage, on the fender it doesn't look to me you had a side impact enough to damage the suspension, also your wheel doesn't look like it was even touched, the wheel would be what transmits the force to the suspension parts attached to the back of the wheel.Alignment is just a case of keeping the tire square with the road so one side or the other doesn't wear more than the other.Most cars need a re alignmenet several times in their lifespan, also suspension parts such as tie rod ends and ball joints have a life span and as they get older they may develop a little play.Most of those parts last a long time and are usually caught if your state has a safety inspection. If you already have uneven tire wear then I would have it re aligned. at a competent tire shop. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.
ReplyDeleteAll I know is Don is always checking the wear on the tires to see if we need an alignment, so my guess would be yes it does cause all your tires to wear wrong.
ReplyDeleteAnd, to top it all off, you aren't going to get that vacation you hoped for! Enjoy some of that heat for me!
ReplyDeleteI DO know we had a tire wear problem on our last 5th wheel..We had 3 blowouts...McGuyver took it to a place that checks alignment on big semis...and yes, it was waaaaay out of alignment..They tweeked it best they could, but we ended up trading it on our Hiker shortly after...Short story is..yes, ..out of alignment can affect tire wear...See?? Girls aren't always clueless!..I would get a second opinion at a Sears or other reputable place first, though.
ReplyDeleteThe government shutdown was averted. Yea, we both get to stay put until we are ready to leave. The advice you've already been given is exactly what I know about the issue. I've had a couple lectures from John on it (he likes to do that once in awhile). I do agree about getting a second opinion and having them point out the uneven wear and why they think you need new tires. Good luck. We head out tomorrow, it is hot here too, reached 95 yesterday, time to go north.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others on wheel alignment - take it to a tire shop and they'll fix you up.
ReplyDeleteDid you tell the tire guy that your car was a towed vehicle? If your towing setup isn't right, tire damage can occur on all four tires even if the car wheels are perfectly aligned.
ReplyDeleteIf you decide to get a second opinion (and I would recommend that you do) you may want to go to a tire dealer and not a super store. If you do, don't mention the 1st opinion about alignment; let the technician make that determination without the hint.