Pothole season is upon us after a rough winter, so it's time to make sure your vehicle is ready for the warmer months ahead. Two of the most important aspects of spring car care are tire maintenance and alignment service, especially during a time when an abundance of potholes threatens to knock things out of place.
How Winter Takes a Toll on Tires and Alignment
During the winter, your vehicle's tires and alignment can really take a beating. Icy, snowy, and wet road conditions make it harder for tires to grip the pavement, leading to uneven wear. Frigid temperatures cause the air inside your tires to contract, leading to underinflation. And then there are potholes.
Potholes are an unfortunate reality of winter and early spring in Hawthorne. They form when moisture seeps into small cracks in the road and expands as it freezes, breaking up the pavement. Hitting a pothole can seriously damage tires, wheels, and suspension components, knocking your alignment out of spec.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs Tire or Alignment Service
So, how do you know if your car needs tire or alignment service this spring? Here are some telltale signs to watch out for:
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Vehicle pulling to one side while driving
- Steering wheel vibration or off-center steering wheel
- Low tire pressure
If you notice any of these signs, it's best to have your vehicle checked out by a service professional sooner rather than later. Driving on damaged tires or misaligned wheels will only make the problems worse.
Benefits of Proper Tire Inflation and Alignment
Keeping your tires properly inflated and your wheels aligned offers many benefits. It helps ensure optimal traction and handling for a safer ride. Even tire wear helps your tires last longer. Proper alignment reduces friction and rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency. All of this can save you money in the long run.
Auto experts recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month and having your alignment checked every 6,000 miles or so. Spring is the perfect time to have your vehicle inspected and serviced to reverse any winter wear and tear and get ready for summer road trips.
Expert Tire and Alignment Service at Hawthorne Chevrolet
If you are looking for skilled and experienced tire and alignment services in the Franklin Lakes area, look no further than Hawthorne Chevrolet. Our factory-trained and certified technicians can handle all your vehicle's tire and alignment needs to get you back on the road with confidence.
We offer a full range of tire services, including rotation, balancing, replacement, and flat repair. Using the latest tire mounting and balancing equipment, we'll make sure your new or existing tires are optimized for a smooth ride. If you need new tires, we stock a wide selection of trusted brands and sizes to fit nearly any make and model.
For wheel alignment, our state-of-the-art alignment machines and expert technicians will make sure all four wheels are precisely angled and centered. We can perform two or four-wheel thrust alignment or complete four-wheel alignment to meet your vehicle's specifications. Whether you have a dent in your rim from a pothole or routine misalignment from daily driving, a visit to Hawthorne Chevrolet in Hackensack will get your car tracking straight and true again.
Schedule Your Spring Service Visit Today
Schedule a service visit at Hawthorne Chevrolet and let our professionals make sure your vehicle is fully refreshed and road-trip ready for the spring and summer ahead. We're here to serve all your car care needs. Contact us to make an appointment and see why drivers from all over the area trust Hawthorne Chevrolet to keep them safe on the road in every season.