Your steering wheel does more than help you turn. It can also give you clues about the condition of your tires, alignment, suspension, brakes, and steering system. When something feels different in the steering wheel, it is usually worth paying attention. In this month’s blog post, we examine the causes and symptoms of steering wheel issues, and preventative maintenance to keep your steering system in top shape.

Common Steering Issues

Since steering is such an integral component of your vehicle’s operation, it’s easy to notice when there’s a developing issue. Some of the typical symptoms you may experience may include:

• The steering wheel shakes at certain speeds

• The vehicle pulls to one side while driving

• The steering wheel is off-center when driving straight

• The vehicle feels loose, bouncy, or hard to control

• You hear clunks, squeaks, or knocks when turning or going over bumps

A shake in the steering wheel may be related to tire balance, uneven tire wear, bent wheels, worn suspension parts, or brake issues. Pulling can come from alignment problems, tire pressure differences, or worn components. An off-center steering wheel often points to an alignment issue, especially after hitting a curb, pothole, or rough road.

Steering and Vehicle Safety

Steering and suspension problems can affect how your vehicle handles, how your tires wear, and how well your vehicle responds in an emergency. Small issues can also cause tires to wear out faster. That means a problem that starts as a minor pull or vibration can end up costing more if it damages tires or other parts.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance includes regular tire rotations, tire pressure checks, alignment checks, and suspension inspections. If your vehicle has recently hit a large pothole, brushed a curb, or started wearing tires unevenly, an inspection can catch problems before they become worse. Shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods, control arms, and bushings all play a role in how the vehicle feels on the road. Also, do not forget to have your steering fluid checked every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

Never Ignore Changes to the “Feel of the Wheel”

Drivers often get used to small changes because they happen slowly. But if your vehicle does not feel as steady as it used to, or the steering wheel is shaking, pulling, or sitting crooked, something has changed. A proper inspection can identify whether the issue is simple, like tire balance, or something that needs repair.

Contact the service professionals at Campus Repair today to schedule a steering, suspension, and alignment inspection so your vehicle drives straight, smooth, and safely.