Your steering wheel is meant to point the tires of your vehicle in the direction you’d like to travel. This means that your steering wheel should be centered, or straight, when you are travelling in a straight line. If you notice your steering wheel is off centered or misaligned, this can be a sign of a few other problems.
What causes misaligned steering wheels?
- Misaligned Vehicles—The first and most likely cause for a misaligned steering wheel is a misaligned vehicle. Vehicle alignment can shift overtime from things like hitting potholes, running over large bumps, hitting curbs, and the normal wear and tear of driving. When your car is misaligned, the tires are not pointing in the same direction as the steering wheel. This can cause uneven tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and other, more serious damage if left uncorrected. Alignments are fairly simple, and you can prevent a misalignment by having your vehicle alignment checked at least once a year.
- Uneven Tire Wear—Uneven tire wear can also cause steering wheels to go off center. Having tires that are wearing at different rates can be caused by misalignments, unbalanced tires, underinflated tires, and suspension issues. You may be able to correct this problem by reinflating your tires, patching small leaks, or having your tires balanced. In some cases, you may need to replace your tires. Regularly rotating your tires can help to prevent this issue.
- Suspension Problems—Crooked steering wheels can be caused by suspension problems. You may also notice your steering wheel feeling loose or making strange noises when you turn. This can be caused by worn bushings, worn shocks, or other damage in your suspension system. The suspension is an important part of your vehicle and repairs can be costly if left for too long. If you think there’s a suspension issue, bring your car to a mechanic, like the ones at Restored Auto, LLC, quickly.
- Power Steering or Steering Rack Problems—If your steering rack or your power steering is failing, this can make your steering wheel crooked. The steering rack connects the steering wheel to the wheels of your vehicle. When one part is misaligned, this can make steering more difficult or dangerous. The power steering system relies on things like hydraulic pressure and electronic components to work properly. Issues with that system can also cause steering problems.
Why does an off centered steering wheel matter?
Sometimes a car with a crooked steering wheel seems to run fine otherwise. If you can steer well enough, it might not seem like an urgent matter. Steering wheel alignment is, however, very important. Your steering wheel helps you to control your vehicle while you’re driving. If it’s misaligned, you may have a harder time handling your car. You can also cause uneven tire wear, which we know from earlier in the article can lead to unbalanced tires, a misaligned vehicle, poor fuel efficiency, and other issues. There are also safety concerns to consider when your steering wheel is off center. Some cars use the steering wheel alignment to make calculations for ADAS systems, like traction control. If the steering wheel isn’t properly aligned, the safety features may not work and this may put you at greater risk on the road.
Call Restored Auto, LLC for your steering alignment.
If you’ve noticed your steering wheel is off center, give us a call. We can diagnose the problem and help you find the best solution for your car. We can also help you to prevent further steering wheel issues with regular vehicle maintenance. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
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