Volkswagen Wheel Alignment FAQs: Everything You Need To Know

Your Volkswagen is built to be easy to control and handle, but due to normal use of the car, the wheels may become a little off balance. Potholes, speed humps, curbs, and general wear and tear may cause misalignment of your wheels, affecting the handling of your car as well as the lifespan of your tires. If you have ever asked questions like “Why wheel alignment is important?,” “How to know if my Volkswagen requires an alignment check?,” or “What happens if you don’t fix it?,” this article will answer all these questions. Below is a quick and straightforward FAQ guide on Volkswagen wheel alignment to help you maintain your car so that it drives straight and smoothly.

What Is a Wheel Alignment?

Alignment is a process of adjusting the angles of the wheels of your Volkswagen to ensure that they meet the road surface correctly. Proper alignment makes the tires wear evenly and steer correctly. The three main angles that are adjusted during a wheel alignment are camber, which is the amount of tilt towards the car body when viewed from the front, toe, which is the amount of inward or outward tilt when viewed from above and caster which is the angle of the steering axis which provides stability and cornering. If these angles are not set correctly, your Volkswagen may drift in a certain direction, become unstable at high speeds, or wear your tires unevenly.

What Are the Signs That My Volkswagen Needs a Wheel Alignment?

• Car Pulling to One Side: If you are driving on a straight road and your Volkswagen starts moving to the left or right without any effort on your part to turn it that way, then it is an obvious sign that your Volkswagen needs an alignment. This can cause difficulties for the driver and is potentially hazardous at high speeds.
• Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear: Check the tires and determine if the treads are worn more on the inside or outside. If your tires are wearing out unevenly, then there’s a high chance that your wheels are not properly aligned. This affects the tires’ lifespan, and you have to replace them frequently.
• Shaking Steering Wheel: If the steering wheel of your VW shakes at high speed, then it may be an indication of misalignment, but it could also be a sign of unbalanced tires. In any case, any vibrations felt in the steering wheel should not be dismissed as they can be an inconvenience and a safety issue.

How Often Does My Volkswagen Need a Wheel Alignment?

There is no specific time frame, but it is advisable to have your VW’s alignment checked every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or on an annual basis. It is also wise to have it done if you recently hit a pothole or bumped a curb, when you are putting on new tires, or if you see signs such as uneven tire wear.

What Happens If I Ignore a Wheel Alignment Problem?

If you fail to address a wheel alignment issue, there may be several negative consequences, such as excessive tire wear, poor fuel consumption rates, and steering problems. When the wheels are not aligned properly, tires wear unevenly and this means that they will need to be replaced much earlier than necessary. It also increases rolling resistance, which makes your engine work more and consume more fuel. In the long run, misalignment results in increased stress on the suspension parts, and this gives rise to the need for frequent suspension replacements.

Can I Do a Wheel Alignment Myself?

Wheel alignment involves the use of certain tools to measure the angles before adjusting them, so it is best done by professionals. You can look out for symptoms that may indicate misalignment like worn out tires or your car pulling towards one side of the road, but attempting to correct the alignment on your own might worsen the situation. Getting your VW to a reputable auto repair shop will ensure that the alignment is done properly to enhance safety and performance.

How Germany’s Best Inc. Can Help

Here at Germany’s Best Inc., we have been providing Volkswagen service to customers in Oakland, CA for more than 25 years. Our expert mechanics utilize modern equipment to adjust your VW’s wheels to the correct angles to guarantee a smooth and safe ride. We also drivers from Piedmont, Berkeley, Emeryville, and other nearby areas to maintain their Volkswagen vehicles in their best condition. Visit Germany’s Best Inc. and get your car’s wheel alignment done by a professional.