Should i get my steering realligned?

Question

when i am going 65 on the highway if i take my hands off the steering wheel it will take 3-10 seconds to start moving towards the left gradually. i am in the right lane so i think its going against the road. i dont feel much pull if any in the steering wheel and it is not hard to steer straight. should i worry about this and get it fixed. i just got new tires should i worry about this wearing them down quicker or is it not substantial enough to worry about. and if the car stays straight with out me twisting the wheel and i know i keep the wheel exactly straight to stay straight is it going to affect anything or not really?

Answer 1

If you had no unusual wear on your old tires and got good mileage out of them, I would say you really don't have to. Considering that you have new tires, it would be a good idea at least to have someone check it. At my shop I charge approximately half of what an alignment would cost, to check only, if the alignment is OK. They should also provide a print out.

Answer 2

If you have new tires, I'd strongly suggest an alignment so you dont ruin your new tires. Obviously, it's out of alignment.

Answer 3

Did your old tires wear straight or was the inside or outside wore more?  Were the tires smooth or choppy?  If they were in good shape it isn't that big of a deal, but you don't want your new tires to get messed up.

Jack the front of the vehicle up and pull up and down and left and right on the each tire to see if it moves.  have someone inside wiggle the steering left and right a little and see if it is loose.  This is to check your tie rods and ball joints for play.  If they are loose you need to have them replaced.  If you do get them replaced you will probably want an alignment done at the same time.  

Remember not to lay under the vehicle with just a jack holding it up; put blocks or jack stands under it to be safe.