Blog

For reasons of safety, performance, and economy, it's important to check wheel alignment regularly on your Nissan vehicle. Misaligned wheels can cause several potentially serious problems, so it's wise to visit your Nissan dealer whenever you suspect they're out of kilter. more Vehicle Pulling or Drifting Right or Left One of the more obvious symptoms of misaligned wheels will make itself known when you drive in a straight line. You'll either feel the steering wheel pulling to one side, or, more subtly, the vehicle drifts gradually to one side when you lightly grip the steering wheel. This may not seem too alarming under normal circumstances, but in an emergency, it'll make your Nissan harder to control. Uneven Tire Wear Another obvious and expensive sign of misaligned wheels is uneven tire wear. Having to replace tires that have worn prematurely on one edge is hugely frustrating, so it's wise to keep an eye on your tires if you suspect something is amiss. Better still, visit your dealership at the earliest opportunity to have your suspicions put to rest. Reduced Fuel Efficiency Depending on how closely you monitor fuel, you may notice a reduction in efficiency if you have misaligned wheels. This is because the vehicle is working harder to propel itself forward. A reduction of up to 10% in efficiency is possible, so the amount is not trivial. Rougher Ride, Wobbly Steering Wheel Wheels that are out of alignment can cause a rougher, noisier ride, which becomes more noticeable at higher speeds. You may detect vibration through the steering wheel or vehicle itself, and tire noise might be louder than usual. A steering wheel that feels loose or unstable is another symptom of misaligned wheels. What Alignment Involves Before aligning wheels, the technician examines various aspects of the vehicle to ensure a proper alignment is possible. These include tire pressure and condition and wear and tear on suspension components. An alignment involves checking and adjusting the caster, camber, toe, and thrust suspension angles. When all of these are aligned to specification, your vehicle will run smoothly and efficiently again. Two-Wheel vs Four-Wheel Methods Depending on the vehicle design, a two-wheel or four-wheel adjustment is performed. A car with a solid rear axle needs a two-wheel or frontal alignment, whereas vehicles with four-wheel independent suspension require a four-wheel adjustment. The latter type includes many modern cars, small SUVs, and vans. Trucks and some larger SUVs are more likely to have a solid rear axle. Contact Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers at Fishers, IN to get your wheels checked and running true.

Regular maintenance in partnership with your Nissan dealer is key to keeping your car running safely and smoothly. One often overlooked but essential piece of car maintenance is tire rotation. There are some fantastic benefits to this simple but crucial service. more 1. Extended Tire Lifespan Tires don't wear evenly because different parts of your car carry different loads. The front tires, for example, bear more weight due to the engine and steering components. As a result, they tend to wear out faster than the rear tires. By regularly rotating your tires, you ensure that the wear is distributed evenly. This means all your tires will last longer, saving you money on premature replacements. 2. Improved Handling and Traction Uneven tire wear can lead to handling issues and reduced traction, especially during rain or snow. Rotating your tires ensures that they maintain consistent tread depth, enhancing your Nissan's stability and grip on the road. This improved handling is not only safer but also makes your driving experience more enjoyable. 3. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency Maintaining proper tire pressure and even tread wear can have a big impact on your fuel efficiency. When your tires are in good condition and evenly worn, your Nissan doesn't have to work as hard to move forward. This could mean better gas mileage and fewer trips to the pump. Over time, the fuel savings can add up to be quite a bit. 4. Prevention of Uneven Brake and Suspension Wear Uneven tire wear affects more than just your tires. It can also impact critical components of your Nissan, like the brakes and suspension. When your tires wear unevenly, it can lead to an imbalance in your vehicle's weight distribution. This imbalance can cause your brakes and suspension to wear out prematurely. By rotating your tires regularly, you help maintain a balanced load on all four wheels, preventing unnecessary strain on vital systems. 5. Improved Safety Courtesy of Your Nissan Dealer Perhaps the most crucial benefit of properly rotated tires is safety. When your tires are unevenly worn, it can lead to unpredictable handling and reduced braking capability. This can be especially dangerous in an emergency. Rotating your tires allows them to have maximum traction and stability, keeping you safer on the road. Experts recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 miles or so, but you should consult your owner's manual or ask a service technician for specific recommendations. Regularly rotating your tires is a simple but effective way to improve the lifespan, safety, and overall performance of your Nissan. It's a small investment that pays off in the long run. Visit Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers and get all the help you need to keep your tires in the best possible condition.