4 Signs Your Car Needs a Wheel Alignment

Proper wheel alignment is essential to your vehicle's safety and performance. Misalignment not only causes premature wear on your tires but also affects your car’s handling, potentially leading to unsafe driving conditions. Fortunately, if your car needs a 4-wheel alignment, Team Ryan Automotive is here to help!

How to Tell If Your Car Needs a 4-Wheel Alignment

1. Pulling to One Side

Does your car drift to the left or right even when your steering wheel is centered? This is a common sign of poor alignment. Try driving in a vacant, safe parking lot and see if your car veers off course when you briefly release the wheel. If so, it’s time to schedule a wheel alignment service.

2. Unusual Noises

You hear screeching noises when making turns, this is a clear indication of a misaligned vehicle. Misalignment causes tires to pull in different directions, creating abnormal sounds. Pay attention to any unusual noises while driving and have your wheel alignment checked promptly.

3. Uneven Tire Wear

Tires should wear down evenly over time. If you notice any of these wear patterns, it could signal a need for alignment:

Camber Wear: Uneven tire wear on the inner or outer edge.
Feathering: Treads that are smooth on one side but sharp on the other, indicating poor toe alignment.
Heel/Toe Wear: Tread blocks wearing down unevenly, often caused by under-inflated tires or misalignment.

For any tire-related issues, our tire services will ensure your car is back in tip top shape.

4. Crooked Steering Wheel

A crooked steering wheel, even when driving straight, is another sign of alignment issues. If your steering wheel doesn't stay level, it's time to have your alignment inspected by a professional. To address this, schedule a visit through our appointment page.

Contact Team Ryan Automotive for Expert Wheel Alignments

Experiencing any of these symptoms? Visit one of our two locations:

Buford:2959 S. Waterworks Road, Buford, GA 30518

Cumming:2585 Freedom Pkwy, Cumming GA 30041

You can also book your appointment online. We’ll have your car perfectly aligned in no time!

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Stay Road-Ready: Summer Car Emergency Kit Essentials from Team Ryan Automotive

By Dan Ryan • May 21, 2025

How Essential Is a Summer Emergency Kit?

How Heat Affects Your Tires and What You Can Do About It

By Dan Ryan • May 9, 2025

Summer heat affects every part of your car, but your tires are especially vulnerable. The hot pavement, rising internal pressure, and long drives can all contribute to tire failure. At Team Ryan Automotive, we want to make sure your tires stay safe and road-ready all season. Here is how summer heat impacts your tires and what you can do to protect them. 1. Increased Air Pressure As temperatures rise, so does the air pressure inside your tires. For every 10-degree increase in temperature, tire pressure can rise by one to two pounds per square inch (PSI). Overinflation can cause tires to wear unevenly and increase the risk of a blowout. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to your vehicle’s recommended levels. 2. Faster Tread Wear Heat softens rubber, making it wear down more quickly. This is especially true if you are driving at high speeds on hot asphalt. Inspect your tires weekly during the summer for signs of excessive or uneven tread wear. If you notice balding or sidewall damage, it is time for a replacement. 3. Risk of Blowouts Blowouts are more common in summer because the combination of high speed, high pressure, and worn tires creates the perfect storm. To reduce your risk, avoid overloading your vehicle, maintain proper tire pressure, and replace old or worn tires as soon as needed. 4. Importance of Tire Rotation Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly, improving traction and extending their lifespan. Team Ryan Automotive recommends rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This simple step can save you money and help keep your vehicle safe. 5. Alignment and Balancing Improper wheel alignment or unbalanced tires can cause uneven wear and strain on your suspension. If your vehicle pulls to one side or your steering wheel vibrates at high speeds, schedule a wheel alignment and tire balancing service. This can enhance tire performance and improve ride comfort. Visit Team Ryan Automotive for Tire Safety Tire safety is essential for your comfort, performance, and protection. If you are not sure about the condition of your tires, let our experts take a look. We offer tire inspections, pressure adjustments, rotations, alignments, and tire replacements. Whether you are commuting around town or planning a summer getaway, we will make sure your tires are ready for the heat. Keep your summer rolling smoothly with tire care you can trust. Schedule your tire service today at Team Ryan Automotive.

Top 5 Road Trip Tips to Prevent Breakdowns This Summer

By Dan Ryan • May 9, 2025

Summer road trips are a classic American tradition. Whether you are headed to the beach, the mountains, or your favorite theme park, the journey should be just as enjoyable as the destination. To help you avoid unexpected delays and make the most of your trip, here are five key vehicle preparation tips from Team Ryan Automotive. 1. Start with an Oil Change Fresh oil helps your engine stay cool, reduces friction, and supports fuel efficiency. If your oil is dirty or your last change was more than 3,000 miles ago, schedule an oil change before your trip. Remember, all TRA oil changes come with our complimentary Standard Vehicle Inspection. 2. Inspect Tires for Wear and Pressure Proper tire maintenance is essential for road safety. Check the tread depth to ensure there is enough grip, especially if you expect rain. Look for cracks, bulges, or signs of dry rot that could lead to blowouts. Finally, make sure all four tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Do not forget to check the spare tire too. 3. Test Your Battery and Charging System No one wants to deal with a dead battery in the middle of a road trip. Summer heat can weaken your battery and stress your alternator. Visit Team Ryan Automotive for a battery test and charging system inspection. If your battery is nearing the end of its life, we will recommend a replacement to keep you powered up. 4. Check Brakes and Brake Fluid Reliable brakes are vital for a safe trip. Listen for squeaking or grinding when braking and watch for a spongy pedal feel. These could be signs that your brake pads or fluid need attention. Let us perform a full brake inspection to make sure your vehicle is ready for any driving condition. 5. Prepare Your Emergency Kit Every road trip should include an emergency kit. Stock it with jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, bottled water, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable snacks. Having these items on hand can help you handle unexpected delays or mechanical issues more comfortably. Bonus Tip: Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection Before hitting the road, bring your vehicle to Team Ryan Automotive for a pre-trip inspection . Our certified technicians will check your fluids, belts, hoses, tires, and more. We will catch small issues before they become trip-ending problems. Enjoy Peace of Mind on the Road A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to summer travel. Our team is here to help you enjoy your road trip with fewer surprises and more smiles. Schedule your service visit today and travel with peace of mind.