Winter is in full swing, and with it comes icy roads, freezing temperatures, and one of the biggest seasonal hazards—potholes. The constant freeze-thaw cycle weakens road surfaces, creating deep cracks and dips that can throw your car’s alignment out of whack. If you’ve noticed your vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or a shaky steering wheel, it’s time to check your alignment before winter conditions can take its toll.
How Potholes Affect Your Alignment
When your wheels hit a pothole, the impact can misalign your suspension system, making your car harder to control and leading to costly wear and tear. Even if the damage isn’t immediately obvious, misalignment can result in:
- Uneven Tire Wear:Misaligned wheels cause tires to wear unevenly, reducing their lifespan and forcing early replacements.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency:When your car isn’t aligned properly, the engine has to work harder to keep it moving straight, burning more fuel.
- Steering & Handling Issues:A misaligned vehicle may drift to one side, feel unstable on slippery winter roads, or cause vibrations in the steering wheel.
Signs You Need an Alignment
With rough winter roads taking a toll, be on the lookout for these common signs of misalignment:
- Your car drifts or pulls to one side
- The steering wheel feels off-center when driving straight
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Spring
Many drivers put off wheel alignments until the weather warms up, but winter potholes can do damage in real time. Driving on misaligned wheels in icy or snowy conditions increases the risk of losing control. Getting an alignment now helps ensure better handling, longer-lasting tires, and a safer ride for the rest of winter.
Schedule Your Alignment Check Today!
Don’t let winter roads put your car at risk. If you’ve hit a few potholes or noticed alignment issues, stop by Craftsman Auto Care for a professional alignment check. We’ll keep your car safe and steady through the rest of winter and beyond!
