DEV Community: Fairmount Tire and Rubber

How to Check Your Vehicle’s Shocks and Struts at Home?

Fairmount Tire and Rubber — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:54:35 +0000

Shocks and struts play an important role in keeping your vehicle stable, comfortable, and safe on the road. They help control bouncing, maintain tire contact, and improve handling during braking and cornering. While a professional inspection is recommended for serious issues, you can perform a few simple checks at home to spot early warning signs.

Understanding Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts are key parts of your vehicle’s suspension system. Shocks control excessive bouncing after hitting bumps, while struts provide damping and structural support. Together, they help maintain proper handling, ride height, and tire contact with the road.

Worn suspension components can cause poor handling, uneven tire wear, vibrations, and reduced braking performance. Regular inspection can help identify problems before they become more expensive.

Pay Attention to Vehicle Behavior Start by noticing how your vehicle behaves while driving. Excessive bouncing after bumps, unusual body movement while turning, or the front of the vehicle dipping heavily during braking can indicate worn shocks or struts.

You may also notice steering vibrations or unusual noises when driving over rough roads.

Try the Bounce Test Park your vehicle on a level surface and switch off the engine. Press down firmly on one corner of the vehicle and release it.

A healthy suspension should return to its normal position quickly. If the vehicle continues bouncing several times, the shocks or struts may need inspection. Perform the test on different corners for a better overall assessment.

Look for Fluid Leaks or Damage Use a flashlight to visually inspect the shocks and struts near each wheel. Look for oil or fluid leaking from the shock body, along with dents, cracks, or other visible damage.

Fluid leakage can indicate that a shock absorber or strut is no longer working correctly and should be checked by a professional.

Check Your Tires
Your tires can provide useful clues about suspension problems. Look for uneven tread wear, bald patches, or cupping across the tire surface.
Poor suspension performance can prevent tires from maintaining consistent contact with the road, resulting in irregular wear and reduced traction.
Listen for Unusual Sounds
Pay attention to knocking, rattling, or squeaking sounds when driving over bumps. Persistent suspension noises may come from worn shocks, struts, mounts, or bushings.

If you hear repeated clunking or metal-to-metal sounds, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Check Ride Height and Handling Park your vehicle on level ground and compare the height of each corner. If one side appears noticeably lower, there could be an issue with a strut, spring, or another suspension component.

During a safe test drive, watch for excessive swaying, poor cornering stability, or excessive nose-diving during braking.

When Should You Replace Shocks and Struts?
If you notice fluid leaks, excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear, or poor handling, professional inspection is recommended. Shocks and struts can wear gradually, and replacement requirements vary based on the vehicle, mileage, road conditions, and driving habits.

Conclusion
Checking your shocks and struts at home can help you spot potential suspension problems early. Simple checks such as observing vehicle behavior, performing a bounce test, inspecting for leaks, and checking tire wear can provide useful warning signs. If you notice serious symptoms, consult a qualified mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair.

How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?

Fairmount Tire and Rubber — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:43:47 +0000

Regular vehicle maintenance is important for safe, smooth, and comfortable driving. While most drivers remember oil changes, tire pressure checks, and brake servicing, wheel alignment is sometimes overlooked. However, correct wheel alignment plays an important role in tire life, steering control, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle performance.

Fairmount Tire provides professional Tire Alignment services to help keep vehicles running safely and smoothly. Using professional alignment equipment, technicians can adjust wheel angles according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Proper alignment can reduce unnecessary tire wear, improve handling, and help protect your investment.

What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels so they sit correctly in relation to the road and each other. The three main alignment angles are camber, caster, and toe.

When these angles are incorrect, the tires may not make even contact with the road. This can result in uneven tire wear, poor steering response, reduced stability, and an uncomfortable driving experience.

How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?
A common recommendation is to have your wheel alignment checked every 6,000 to 10,000 kilometres or at least once a year. However, the exact schedule may vary depending on your vehicle, driving habits, road conditions, and manufacturer recommendations.

Your Wheel Alignment Frequency may need to be higher if you frequently drive on roads with potholes, rough surfaces, speed bumps, or construction areas. Drivers who travel long distances or regularly carry heavy loads may also benefit from more frequent alignment inspections.

It is always a good idea to check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific maintenance recommendations.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Wheel Alignment
Your car will often provide warning signs when the wheels are no longer correctly aligned. One of the most common signs is the vehicle pulling to the left or right while you are trying to drive straight.

Other common signs include:
Uneven or unusually fast tire wear
A crooked steering wheel when driving straight
Steering wheel vibration
Poor steering response
Vehicle drifting to one side
Tires making unusual squealing sounds
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should arrange an alignment inspection instead of waiting for your regular maintenance schedule.

What Causes Wheel Misalignment?
Wheel alignment can change for many reasons. Hitting a large pothole, driving over a curb, or travelling regularly on damaged roads can affect wheel angles.

Accidents, even minor ones, may also cause alignment problems. In addition, worn suspension components such as shocks, struts, ball joints, and bushings can affect how your wheels sit on the road.

If you have recently replaced suspension components or installed new wheels or tires, having the alignment checked can help ensure everything is correctly positioned.

Why Is Wheel Alignment Important?
Correct alignment helps your tires wear more evenly. When wheels are misaligned, one section of a tire may experience more pressure than another, causing premature wear.

Proper alignment also helps improve vehicle control. A vehicle that drives straight and responds properly to steering inputs is easier and safer to handle, especially on highways or during poor weather conditions.

Misalignment may also increase rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder to keep the vehicle moving. Maintaining proper alignment can therefore contribute to efficient vehicle performance.

Wheel Alignment vs. Tire Balancing and Rotation
Wheel alignment is different from tire balancing and tire rotation.
Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels. Tire balancing ensures that weight is evenly distributed around the tire and wheel assembly, helping reduce vibration. Tire rotation involves moving tires between different positions on the vehicle to encourage even tread wear.

Although these services are different, they all play an important role in maintaining tire condition and driving comfort.

When Should You Get an Alignment Checked Immediately?
You should not wait for your yearly inspection if your vehicle has recently hit a major pothole, curb, or road hazard. An alignment check is also recommended after suspension repairs, accidents, or installing certain aftermarket suspension components.

Checking the alignment when purchasing new tires can also help protect your new tires from unnecessary uneven wear.

Conclusion
So, how often should you get a wheel alignment? For most vehicles, checking the alignment every 6,000 to 10,000 kilometres or at least once a year is a sensible guideline. However, rough roads, driving habits, suspension issues, and vehicle modifications may require more frequent inspections.

Paying attention to signs such as uneven tire wear, a crooked steering wheel, or your car pulling to one side can help you identify alignment problems early. Regular wheel alignment can extend tire life, improve handling, support fuel efficiency, and provide a safer and more comfortable driving experience.

The Benefits of Regular Vehicle Alignment for Your Tires

Fairmount Tire and Rubber — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:41:12 +0000

Keeping your vehicle in good condition involves more than oil changes and fuel refills. Regular wheel alignment is an essential maintenance service that improves safety, driving comfort, and Tire Longevity. It also helps reduce unnecessary repair costs over time.

Proper wheel alignment ensures your tires make even contact with the road. When wheels are misaligned, tires wear unevenly, causing faster Tire Wear and reducing their lifespan. Regular alignment keeps tread wear even, helping you get more value from every set of tires.

Alignment also improves fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels create extra rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Correct alignment allows the vehicle to move smoothly, helping reduce fuel costs during daily driving.

Safety is another major benefit. A vehicle with poor alignment may pull to one side, making steering more difficult and reducing overall stability. Proper alignment improves handling, braking performance, and control, especially during sudden turns or wet road conditions.

Misalignment doesn't only affect tires. It also places additional stress on suspension and steering components, leading to premature wear and expensive repairs. Regular alignment helps protect these systems, reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of important vehicle parts.

Professional tire installation also plays an important role in Tire Longevity. At Fairmount Tire, every tire is professionally mounted, balanced, and aligned with precision to promote even tread wear, improve performance, and deliver a smoother driving experience.

Reducing Tire Wear also benefits the environment. Longer-lasting tires create less waste, while improved fuel efficiency helps lower vehicle emissions. Small maintenance steps like regular alignment can make a meaningful difference over time.

Routine alignment inspections can also identify suspension, steering, or tire issues before they become costly repairs. Addressing these problems early helps maintain vehicle reliability and prevents unexpected breakdowns.

Conclusion
Regular wheel alignment is a simple investment that delivers long-term benefits. It improves Tire Longevity, minimizes Tire Wear, increases fuel efficiency, enhances safety, and protects your vehicle's steering and suspension systems. Scheduling regular alignments keeps your vehicle performing at its best while helping you save money and enjoy a smoother, more confident drive.

The Benefits of Regular Vehicle Alignment for Your Tires

Fairmount Tire and Rubber — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:09:15 +0000

How Tire Alignment Improves Steering Control?

Fairmount Tire and Rubber — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:10:13 +0000

Good steering control is essential for a safe and comfortable driving experience. If your vehicle pulls to one side, the steering wheel feels off-center, or your tires wear unevenly, poor wheel alignment could be the reason. Proper tire alignment helps keep your vehicle moving in the right direction and makes steering feel more stable.

What Is Tire Alignment?
Tire alignment, also called wheel alignment, involves adjusting the angles of your vehicle's wheels according to the manufacturer's specifications. The main alignment angles include camber, caster, and toe. When these angles are correctly set, your tires can maintain better contact with the road.

How Does Tire Alignment Improve Steering Control?

Keeps Your Vehicle Moving Straight
When your wheels are properly aligned, your vehicle is less likely to pull or drift to the left or right. This gives you better control, especially when driving on highways or busy roads.
Makes Steering More Stable
Incorrect wheel alignment can make the steering feel loose, uneven, or difficult to manage. Proper alignment helps create a more balanced steering response, allowing you to make turns and corrections with greater confidence.
Helps Maintain Tire Contact
Proper alignment helps your tires sit correctly on the road. This can support more predictable handling and improve the overall driving experience, particularly when making turns or changing lanes.
Reduces Uneven Tire Wear
Misaligned wheels can cause tires to wear more quickly on certain areas of the tread. Regular tire alignment service can help promote more even tire wear, potentially extending the useful life of your tires.
Improves Driving Comfort
A vehicle with alignment issues may feel unstable or require constant steering corrections. Correct wheel alignment can help provide a smoother and more comfortable drive.

Signs You May Need Tire Alignment

Look for common warning signs such as:
Vehicle pulling to one side
Steering wheel not centered while driving straight
Uneven or unusual tire wear
Steering feeling unstable
Vehicle drifting when you release the steering wheel

If you notice these issues, it may be time to have your vehicle inspected.

Get Your Tire Alignment Checked
Proper tire alignment is an important part of maintaining steering control, tire performance, and a comfortable driving experience. If you notice signs of misalignment, don't ignore them.
Need professional tire alignment service? Contact Fairmount Tire today and schedule an inspection to help keep your vehicle driving straight and smoothly.