Car Accident Aftermath: How to Tell if Your Vehicle Needs Wheel Alignment

Sometimes, even the most minor of collisions can leave behind hidden damage that affects how safe and reliable your car is. One key issue that often gets overlooked after an accident is wheel misalignment.

After a crash, the angles of your car’s wheels easily get thrown off, leading to handling problems, uneven tyre wear, and, most importantly, safety risks. Here’s how to recognise the signs of misalignment and why addressing it sooner rather than later is important.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

When your wheels are aligned correctly, they meet the road evenly, which helps with handling, extends tyre life, and improves fuel efficiency. Wheel alignment involves adjusting your wheels to make sure they meet the manufacturer’s specifications.

There are three key angles involved in this process:

• Camber — This is the tilt of the tyre when you look at it from the front, and whether it leans inward or outward.
• Toe — This describes the direction the tyres point in relation to the vehicle’s centre line. Think of it almost like being pigeon-toed or duck-footed. 
• Caster — This angle affects your steering stability and cornering ability.

What To Expect During a Wheel Alignment?

If the collision caused any parts to bend, repairs or replacements may be necessary before completing the alignment. The following are the steps taken during a wheel alignment.

• Pre-Inspection — Check tyre pressure and look at suspension and steering components for any damage
• Measure — Use specialised tools to assess the angles of the camber, toe, and caster.
• Adjust — Correct these angles to match the manufacturer’s specifications, which may involve some adjustments to the components.
• Test Drive — Take the car for a test drive to ensure everything feels right. 

Why Post-Accident Alignment Checks Are Crucial

Even a minor bump can lead to bent suspension parts, shifted wheel hubs, or damaged steering components. Getting your alignment checked after an accident isn’t only about its performance. It’s about keeping yourself safe and avoiding costly repairs in the long run.

If you ignore alignment problems, you may face several issues, such as:

• Safety Risks — Poor alignment can make it really tough to handle your vehicle, especially when you may need to avoid obstacles.
• Costly tyre Replacements — Misalignment tends to wear out tyres unevenly, leading to premature replacements.
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency — When your wheels aren’t aligned, it creates drag that makes your engine work harder than necessary.
• Suspension Damage — The added stress on suspension components can lead to more expensive repairs.

Signs Your Car Needs a Wheel Alignment

After a collision, keep an eye out for these signs that your car may be misaligned:

• Pulling to One Side — If your car drifts to the left or right on a straight road, that indicates that your wheels may not be aligned.
• Uneven or Rapid Tyre Wear — Look for bald patches, scalloped edges, or uneven wear across the tyres.
• Off-Centre Steering — If it feels difficult when steering, or your steering wheel feels crooked when driving straight, that is often a sign of misalignment.
• Steering Wheel Vibration or Shaking — This might happen at higher speeds due to the uneven tyre contact, resulting from misalignment.
• Unusual Noises — Clunking or squealing noises when turning could signal issues with your suspension or steering.
• Sluggish Handling — If your car feels less responsive, it could be a sign that alignment problems are putting extra stress on your steering components.

The Risks of Delaying Repairs

If you let alignment issues slide, you could run into some potential issues like:

• Tyre Blowouts — tyres that experience uneven wear are at a much higher risk of sudden failure, creating dangerous situations on the road.
• Poor Fuel Efficiency — A misaligned vehicle deals with increased friction and resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and increasing fuel expenses.
• Costly Repairs — Ignoring the issue can lead to bigger, more expensive problems over time. Addressing issues with alignment right away helps with safer driving, but also saves you money, not having to deal with any surprise expenses.

We Prioritise Your Safety at Caversham Coachworks

Wheel alignment might seem like such a small detail, but it often plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s safety and performance, especially after an accident. Even after a seemingly minor accident, a professional alignment check is necessary to ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Don’t take chances when it comes to your safety. Reach out to a trusted auto shop to schedule an alignment check.

At Caversham Coachworks, we’re here to help. We will thoroughly inspect your vehicle, make necessary adjustments, and help you avoid future alignment issues. We only use high-quality parts, advanced techniques, and cutting-edge tools to provide long-lasting repairs for traditional, hybrid, and electric vehicles. We have convenient locations in Caversham and Abingdon.

Schedule an inspection with us today, or use our free and easy online estimator tool.