Everything You Need to Know About Wheel Alignments

The Mechanics Tire & Auto • October 20, 2025

At The Mechanics Tire & Auto, located in the heart of Albemarle & Locust, NC, we understand that keeping your vehicle in top shape is a priority. One often overlooked aspect of vehicle maintenance that plays a crucial role in the performance and longevity of your car is wheel alignment. We want to take a moment to delve into why this service is vital for your vehicle’s health, and how regular alignments can save you money in the long run.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is the adjustment of the angles of your wheels to the manufacturer's specifications. Over time, the daily strain of driving over bumps, potholes, and other road conditions can cause your vehicle's suspension system to deviate from these specifications, resulting in misalignment.

Why Wheel Alignment Matters

Proper alignment ensures that your vehicle handles correctly and operates smoothly. Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, which not only shortens the lifespan of your tires but also affects your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and safety. At The Mechanics Tire & Auto, we emphasize the importance of regular wheel alignments to provide stable handling and optimal tire performance.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alignment

Identifying when your vehicle needs an alignment is crucial. Here are common signs that indicate a misalignment:

  • Your car is pulling to one side while driving on a straight road.
  • Steering wheel vibration.
  • Uneven tire wear patterns.
  • The steering wheel is off-center when driving straight.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle to a trusted auto shop like The Mechanics Tire & Auto in Albemarle & Locust, NC, for a professional assessment.

Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignments

Routine wheel alignments offer multiple benefits:

  • Improved Fuel Efficiency: Proper alignment reduces rolling resistance, increasing fuel efficiency.
  • Smoother Ride: Correct alignment ensures smooth driving and improved comfort.
  • Extended Tire Lifespan: Even tire wear significantly prolongs tire life.
  • Reduced Repairs: Less stress on suspension components reduces the risk of future costly repairs.

Our team at The Mechanics Tire & Auto is dedicated to ensuring that each alignment check is performed with precision, giving you peace of mind on every drive.

Our Wheel Alignment Process

At The Mechanics Tire & Auto, we utilize state-of-the-art alignment technology to provide precise adjustments. The process begins with a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems. We then adjust the angles of your wheels to exact specifications using advanced computerized equipment.

Our skilled technicians are trained to handle all kinds of vehicles, ensuring top-notch service every time you visit our Albemarle & Locust locations.

How Often Should You Get an Alignment?

We recommend having your wheel alignment checked every 6,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle’s owner manual. Additionally, it’s a good practice to check alignments whenever new tires are installed or if you’ve noticed any of the aforementioned symptoms.

Regular alignment checks are an investment in your vehicle’s overall health and your driving safety.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper wheel alignment is critical in ensuring your vehicle’s performance and your safety on the road. At The Mechanics Tire & Auto in Albemarle & Locust, NC, we're committed to providing exceptional service with every alignment. Our friendly team is always ready to assist you with all your automotive needs.

Don’t wait for a minor misalignment to turn into a major issue. Schedule an appointment with us today and keep your vehicle running smoothly!

By Jackson Cure October 29, 2025
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I really need to flush my transmission fluid?” you’re not alone. Many drivers put off a transmission service until there’s a problem, but by then it can be too late (and expensive). At The Mechanics Tire & Auto , we help drivers stay ahead of costly repairs with simple preventative maintenance like routine transmission fluid flushes. In this guide, we’ll break down what transmission fluid does, why it matters, and how often you should service it to keep your car running smoothly for the long haul. DO I REALLY NEED TO FLUSH MY TRANSMISSION FLUID? The short answer: yes. Servicing your transmission at the recommended intervals can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle. We know your transmission plays a crucial role in how power from the engine reaches the wheels—ensuring smooth acceleration and reliable performance. Let’s take a closer look at why transmission maintenance is so important. WHAT IS A TRANSMISSION? The transmission is a mechanical system that transfers power from your vehicle’s engine to its wheels. It controls speed and torque by shifting through different gear ratios, helping your car run efficiently and smoothly. There are three main types of transmissions: Automatic Transmission: The most common type in the U.S., it automatically shifts gears for a seamless driving experience. Manual Transmission: Requires the driver to use a clutch and shift gears manually. CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission): Uses pulleys and a belt or chain to provide an infinite number of gear ratios, resulting in a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride. No matter which type your vehicle has, each transmission requires periodic maintenance and fluid service to stay in good condition. WHY DOES TRANSMISSION FLUID NEED TO BE FLUSHED? Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission. It performs several key functions: Lubricates gears and moving components to prevent wear and friction. Cleans and protects the system from corrosion. Regulates temperature and helps dissipate heat. Over time, transmission fluid breaks down and collects dirt, metal particles, and contaminants, which can cause slipping, rough shifting, or even major transmission failure. A proper transmission flush replaces all of the old fluid with new, clean fluid—helping extend the life of your transmission and improving performance. HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SERVICE YOUR TRANSMISSION? S ervice intervals depend on your vehicle’s make, model, and transmission type. Your owner’s manual will provide specific recommendations, but here are some general guidelines: Automatic Transmissions: every 60,000 miles CVTs: every 40,000 miles Manual Transmissions: every 30,000 miles If you’re unsure, our friendly service advisors can help determine the right schedule for your car. We’ll also inspect your transmission fluid as part of our complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) with every visit. WHY CHOOSE THE MECHANICS TIRE & AUTO FOR YOUR TRANSMISSION SERVICE At The Mechanics Tire & Auto , your transmission is serviced by skilled technicians using top-grade BG Products equipment to keep your car or truck running smoothly for years to come. A basic transmission fluid change only drains the oil pan, removing less than half of the old fluid. Our advanced BG flush system replaces all of it—100% from the transmission, torque converter, and lines. Here’s how our service stands out: Full-system flush: Simultaneously removes old fluid while adding new fluid for complete renewal. Premium protection: We use BG transmission cleaners and conditioners to reduce deposits and extend fluid life. Top-tier quality: Our BG Products fluids meet the highest industry standards. Peace of mind: Many services qualify for the BG Lifetime Protection Plan®, which provides up to $2,000 in coverage on your transmission if something goes wrong. KEEP YOUR TRANSMISSION RUNNING SMOOTHLY Whether you drive a sedan, SUV, or truck, regular transmission maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle reliable and avoiding costly repairs. Schedule your service online or stop by one of our two convenient Stanly County locations to book your transmission fluid flush or talk with our experienced staff about your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
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